DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Acting Chief of Police Michael Lay announced on July 28 that a Blue Island teenager has been arrested and charged with robbing a Villa Park 7-11 store at gunpoint on July 20. The teenager allegedly stole Illinois Lottery scratch-off tickets and approximately $200 cash.
Cameron Love, 19, appeared in bond court on July 28. His bond was set at $1 million, with 10 percent to apply in accordance with a previously issued arrest warrant. Love has been charged with one count of armed robbery with a firearm, a Class X felony, and one misdemeanor count of battery.
According to information provided by the state’s attorney’s office, Love and an unnamed accomplice entered the 7-11 store at 54 S. Villa Ave. at 5:09 a.m. on July 20. Once inside the store, Love and his accomplice allegedly stole Illinois scratch-off lottery tickets and approximately $200. It is further alleged that before fleeing the store, Love ordered the store clerk to lay on the floor and that both Love and his accomplice kicked the store clerk in the face.
An investigation by the Villa Park Police Department led to Love. On July 24, a $1 million arrest warrant was issued for Love, who was arrested and taken into custody on July 28.
“I would like to thank the Villa Park Police Department for their fine work in identifying and apprehending Mr. Love as a suspect in this case,” Berlin said in a statement. “The allegations in this case, that Mr. Love stole money at gunpoint and kicked a man in the face who was just trying to make an honest living, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorney Claudia Fantauzzo for her efforts on this case as well.”
“Unfortunately, this type of violence is exhibited by many criminals in today’s society,” added Villa Park Detective Sgt. William Lyons. “The Villa Park police detectives worked continuously, beginning from the initial response, to ensure the offenders are brought to justice. This is an outstanding example of a cooperative investigation by multiple agencies within DuPage County.”
Love’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 21, in front of Judge John Kinsella.
The statement from the state’s attorney’s office reminded the public that these complaints contain only charges and are not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
