Two arrested in connection with cargo thefts at Illinois rest areas
Illinois State Police (ISP) have arrested two people in connection with a series of cargo thefts.
Troopers say that they arrested Travis Burrows, 26, and Reginald Elston, 25, on charges of possession of stolen goods on the morning of August 28 at a home in Dolton.
The arrests came following a cargo theft investigation launched in November 2019 at Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Oases truck lots.
After receiving multiple calls from truckers, ISP said that they “discovered a string of cargo thefts and criminal activity [that] targeted semi-trailers and railroad yards along the Tollway.”
As the investigation continued, Illinois State Police issued a warning to truckers in February 2020 about “a theft ring that has impacted the westbound Three Rivers Rest Area on I-80 near Minooka for an extended period. It is now impacting the eastbound rest area as well.”
After searching the home in Dolton where the arrests were made, authorities discovered stolen items from recent cargo theft reports including coffee items and apparel. Police also recovered cannabis, a handgun, five firearm magazines, and multiple calibers of ammunition.
In addition to the possession of stolen goods charge, Burrows was also charged with one count of Unlawful Use of Weapon.
ISP conducted the investigation with assistance from the North Central Narcotics Task Force.
ISP says that the investigation is still active and ongoing.