Antioch, IL - Law enforcement officials announced the arrest of seven male offenders charged with burglary, vehicle theft conspiracy, and theft over $300 for burglarizing a local car dealership with the intent to steal new vehicles.

The offenders were arrested on Monday, October 17, at 3:30 a.m., several blocks from the auto dealership as they attempted to steal multiple vehicles from the car lot. The investigation remains on-going, and details about the investigation will be available at the conclusion of this case.

"Multi-agency cooperation led to these arrests, and Investigators worked swiftly on apprehending the offenders - supported by a team of tireless law enforcement professionals," said Kane/Cook Auto Task Force Director/Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Bruce Johnson.

This was a cooperative effort by the Antioch Police Department and Illinois State Police Kane/ Cook Auto Task Force, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Elgin Police Department, Crystal Lake Police Department, Kenosha City Police Department, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

Multiple law enforcement agencies were involved and continue to investigate. "This is an excellent example of inter-agency cooperation among law enforcement professionals, and these arrests illustrate what can be accomplished when we share information, pool resources, and work together to keep our communities safe," said Antioch Police Chief Craig Somerville.

Offenders Charged:

• Gerald Washington, 20, Chicago (not pictured)

 Charges:

• Theft - 720 ILCS 5/16-1 (a) (1) (A) - Class 3 Felony
• Vehicle Theft Conspiracy - 625 ILCS 5/4-103.1 (a) – Class 2 Felony
• Burglary - 720 ILCS 5/19-1 (a) – Class 2 Felony

The offenders were transported to Lake County Bond Court where they were remanded to the Lake County Jail on $100,000 bond pending a return court date of November 27, 2011.