Jabari Jones-Cooper, a Chicago Heights man, has been accused of orchestrating a burglary plot that took an unexpected turn. Instead of targeting two GameStop stores directly, Jones-Cooper allegedly stole the loot from the Chicago Police Department’s auto pound, where the stolen merchandise was stored in a recovered getaway car.
The incident began when a group of criminals used two SUVs to smash into GameStop stores in the early hours of September 5. The first store to be targeted was located in the South Loop at 1252 South Canal Street, followed by another store in Gage Park at 5835 South Kedzie Avenue.
One of the stolen vehicles, a Nissan Rogue, was later recovered by the police and taken to the auto pound at 10301 South Doty Avenue for processing. The stolen merchandise from the burglaries was left inside the vehicle as evidence.
Prosecutors allege that Jones-Cooper, 32, managed to sneak into the pound shortly after the vehicle arrived and stole the GameStop merchandise from the seized SUV. The gaming products were estimated to be worth around $8,000.
Despite not being charged in connection with the original burglaries, Jones-Cooper now faces charges of burglary and felony theft from a law enforcement agency. He has been released pending trial.
This bizarre twist in the burglary case has left authorities and onlookers shocked at the audacity of Jones-Cooper’s actions. It serves as a reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to in order to obtain stolen goods.
As this story continues to unfold, it highlights the importance of maintaining security measures not only at retail stores but also at law enforcement facilities where evidence is stored. It also serves as a cautionary tale for criminals who may think they can outsmart the authorities.
For more exclusive updates and in-depth coverage of local crime stories, continue to support independent journalism like CWBChicago. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to bring you accurate and detailed reporting that goes beyond what mainstream media outlets provide. Thank you for supporting our mission to keep the community informed and safe.
