Joliet, IL – An 18-year-old Joliet resident has been charged after allegedly breaking into multiple businesses during early-morning burglaries this week, according to the Joliet Police Department. Officers say the incidents occurred Thursday morning and involved a Dollar Tree, a Wendy’s, and an attempted break-in at a Dunkin’.
According to Joliet Police, officers responded at 4:58 a.m. Thursday to the Dollar Tree on Colorado Avenue after a burglary alarm. Investigators found that a glass door had been shattered by a brick thrown from outside. A store representative confirmed that merchandise appeared to have been taken.
At 6:52 a.m., officers were called to the Wendy’s on Plainfield Road after employees arriving to open the restaurant spotted a person fleeing out the back door. Surveillance footage allegedly showed the same male entering through the drive-thru window and damaging cash registers, a safe, and other equipment.
As officers investigated the two burglaries, they received information that a masked individual was seen at the Dunkin’ on Plainfield Road. Police located the suspect, identified as Jalen Davis, after he allegedly attempted to provide a false name. Officers took him into custody without incident.
Police say Davis was found with tools believed to have been used during the break-ins. Dunkin’ employees also reported fresh damage to the drive-thru window consistent with attempted forced entry.
During an interview, Davis allegedly admitted involvement in the Dollar Tree burglary and acknowledged entering Wendy’s. Officers recovered bags of merchandise believed to be stolen from Dollar Tree behind a nearby business.
Davis was transported to the Will County Adult Detention Facility. Additional charges may be filed pending review by the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office.
