Suspect In Violent Robbery At Evanston Spa Arrested

EVANSTON, IL — A man believed to be involved in a violent robbery at an Evanston spa was arrested last week, according to police.

Police said the incident took place on July 18 at Relax Spa at 327 Howard Street. According to the Evanston Police Department, one suspect entered the business after 1 a.m. to receive massage services.

The suspect then let two additional suspects inside through the front door, which was locked. Once inside, the group searched for money and valuables, police said.

At one point, one of the men grabbed an employee by her throat and forced her into a bathroom. In the bathroom, he unlocked her phone using Face ID and accessed her banking application.

The group fled the spa with approximately $1,500 in business proceeds, the employee's phone and two credit cards, and approximately $600 that belonged to another employee.

Evanston police said they responded to the robbery at 3:38 a.m. after receiving a delayed robbery report. Detectives began conducting an investigation, reviewing surveillance video, financial and digital evidence, witness information, and other investigative leads.

Investigators identified one of the suspects as Gary May Jr., 25, of Chicago. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office issued a warrant for May's arrest on Sept. 1, and he was arrested in Chicago on Sept. 8.

May was charged with two counts of felony armed robbery, two counts of felony armed kidnapping and two counts of felony unlawful restraint.

Evanston police said the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact the Evanston Police Department.

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