Police: Rockford man admits to robbing a Mobil Gas Station in Loves Park

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — Loves Park Police arrested Ony Pichardo, 32, for allegedly robbing a Mobil Gas Station by indicating he had a firearm.

On Feb 12, around 9:15 p.m., officers were called to the Mobil in the 5900 block of Forest Hills Road for a call from the attendant reporting that a man driving a black Kia Sportage just robbed the convenience store.

The attendant told authorities she suspected the suspect was armed when she heard a clicking sound when he put his hand in his hoodie pocket.

After an investigation of surveillance footage, police determined the suspect to be Pichardo. Officials went to his address in the 900 block of Van Wie Avenue and talked to the woman whose name was listed as the owner of the Sportage.

She told authorities she had not seen the SUV since that night.

Officers then responded to a house in the 3300 block of Cottonwood Street where they found the vehicle used in the robbery parked in the garage. Pichardo was eventually taken into custody after attempting to run from officials.

Pichardo admitted to police he robbed the gas station for two Monster energy drinks, two packs of Newport cigarettes and all the money in the register, but denied having a firearm.

The suspect told authorities he used the money to buy $40 worth of crack cocaine.

Officers recovered the stolen items and money from the residence on Cottonwood.

Pichardo is charged with robbery and aggravated robbery while indicating possession of a firearm.