Convenience store robber nets 20 years

A Cook County man will spend 20 years in prison after admitting to robbing a Zion convenience store in May.

Charles K. Almond, 42, of south suburban Phoenix pleaded guilty to robbery charges in Lake County Circuit Court on Monday.

Almond was arrested May 27 after he forcefully took an undisclosed amount of cash from a 7-Eleven store at 2020 Sheridan Road, said Assistant State's Attorney Steven DeRue.

According to court documents, Almond walked into the store just before 5 a.m. and picked up a bag of potato chips and pork rinds, then headed to the counter.

Almond then stuck his hand into his jacket pocket, implying that he was carrying a gun. He then told the clerk, "This is a stickup" and demanded money.

Almond went behind the counter and ripped out the cash register drawer, containing an undisclosed amount of cash, and fled the scene on a 10-speed bicycle.

He was later caught by Zion police officers 250 feet away from the store. He was subdued with a Tasered when he resisted arrest.

Although Almond committed a Class 2 felony, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, the offense was elevated to a Class X felony, a maximum term of 30 years, due to Almond's prior criminal record, DeRue said.

According to court records, Almond's previous offenses included a 1986 burglary and a 1995 armed robbery.