2 charged in string of smash-and-grab burglaries across Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) – A man and a 15-year-old boy were arrested and charged in connection to a string of overnight burglaries on Tuesday.

Several burglaries occurred in North Center and Lincoln Square within three hours.

Chicago police said officers used private surveillance video from the burglaries with the description of a car from a community member. Soon after, 9th District officers located the car, attempted a traffic stop, and both offenders were arrested minutes later.

Vernon Edwards, 18, was charged with five felony counts of burglary and one felony count of attempted armed robbery with a firearm. The 15-year-old was charged with four felony counts of burglary.

The pair was part of a five-man crew smashing their way into businesses along Lincoln Avenue - mostly bars and restaurants, according to police. The other offenders are still at large. 

Investigation into the burglaries remains ongoing by Area 1 and 3 detectives.

Anyone with additional information is asked to submit a tip to CPDTIP.com.