Executive Summary
- Luis F. Carrillo Jr., 18, charged with Class X armed robbery with a firearm.
- Incident involved the theft of shoes at gunpoint during a scheduled meetup.
- Suspect arrested at Leighton Criminal Courthouse weeks after the December event.
- Police urge residents to use safe exchange zones for online transactions.
A Chicago man is facing felony charges after allegedly robbing a seller at gunpoint during a transaction arranged online in Palatine, Illinois, according to law enforcement officials.
The Palatine Police Department reported that the incident occurred on December 13, 2025, around 9 p.m. in the 1500 block of East Northwest Highway. Investigators stated that the victim and the suspect, identified as 18-year-old Luis F. Carrillo Jr., had arranged to meet in person to complete the sale of a pair of shoes.
Police allege that during the exchange, the victim allowed Carrillo to inspect the footwear. Carrillo then reportedly brandished a black handgun, seized the property, and fled the scene on foot. Authorities noted that despite Carrillo’s attempts to conceal his identity, the victim believed he recognized the suspect from previous interactions.
Carrillo was taken into custody on January 30 at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. He was subsequently transported to the Palatine Police Department and charged with armed robbery with a firearm, a Class X felony. Following a detention hearing on January 31, a judge ordered him held in custody, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday in Rolling Meadows.
Transaction Safety Protocols
In light of the arrest, the Palatine Police Department issued a warning urging the public to exercise caution during internet-initiated transactions. Officials recommend utilizing designated “safe exchange zones,” which are available at many police headquarters to deter criminal activity during face-to-face exchanges. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
