Fingerprint evidence left behind on a 7-Eleven cash register Aug. 4 by an alleged robber led Forest Park police to arrest Travis Cook, of Chicago, in the 300 block of Leavitt Street in Chicago on the evening of Aug. 29.
Cook, 53, has been arrested more than 50 times in Chicago, according to police.
According to police, Cook entered the convenience store in the 7700 block of Roosevelt Road around 12:50 a.m. on Aug. 4, while talking on a cellphone. Police said he then took two cellphone cards off a rack and suddenly approached the cashier yelling, “B—-! Open the register, this is a robbery. Give me the money!”
The clerk reportedly observed a black metal handgun under Cook’s shirt, but said Cook did not take it out. As the clerk pushed the store panic button, Cook allegedly jumped over the counter and snatched the cash drawer and pulled it out, breaking the cord. He then fled on foot.
Fingerprints were available to match, since Cook has an extensive criminal history that includes 50 prior arrests with 28 convictions for burglary, robbery, weapons offenses, obstructing, flight/escape and drug offenses, said Forest Park Deputy Chief Tom Aftanas.
Cook was taken into custody by Forest Park police and charged with one count of aggravated robbery. He is in Cook County Jail being held without bond awaiting trial.
