3 suspects in custody following SWAT situation at Midlothian liquor store: police

CHICAGO - On the eve of Thanksgiving, a south suburban liquor store was ambushed by armed robbers. It led to an hours-long standoff in Midlothian and prompted federal officials to respond.

Around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, police were called to Emporium Liquor, located near 147th Street and Pulaski Road, for the report of an armed robbery.

"Upon arrival, officers saw one subject coming outside with proceeds, another subject was coming out behind that individual wearing a ski mask," said Chief Daniel Delaney, Midlothian Police Department. "The subject that was carrying the proceeds fled to an awaiting van."

As one suspect sped off with police in pursuit, the offender wearing the ski mask re-entered the business, according to Delaney.

"We later found out there was a third subject that was holding the witnesses and employees at gunpoint," said Delaney.

Outside – on one of the biggest drinking days of the year – bottles of Patron were left shattered across the parking lot.

Meanwhile, inside, hostages were forced onto the ground, according to police.   

Once SWAT teams arrived, officers moved in.

"As soon as the officers entered the store, [the offenders] retreated into the cooler area, no longer having hostages, and the officers were able to get those individuals out safely," said Delaney.

With those customers and employees safe, police spent hours negotiating with the barricaded gunmen.

SkyFOX video shows armored trucks surrounding the building, and roughly three hours after it started, around 1:30 p.m., the suspects were seen surrendering.

As for that third offender, he only made it about 15 miles and was arrested near Englewood.

"The individual that fled in the van, officers chased that subject all the way to Chicago, Illinois where he was ultimately taken into custody," said Delaney.

Police are seeking felony charges in connection to this incident – but there could be more. Officials say they believe they’ve nabbed criminals responsible for other crimes across the region.

"From evidence that we have and information, they may have participated in some armed robberies over in Indiana. We’re not able to confirm that, but we will," said Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jason Gore, Chicago Field Division, ATF.

By Wednesday afternoon, all three suspects were behind bars at the Midlothian Police Department.

None of the hostages were hurt, and police say no shots were fired during the incident.

The Village of Midlothian is now reminding residents to enroll in its emergency alert system called CodeRED.