Park Forest man caught after robbing plumber

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Updated: February 17, 2012 7:01AM

A Park Forest man faces armed robbery and burglary charges after robbing a plumber of $170 and stealing cigarettes, snacks and prescription medication from the victim’s van, police said.

They said the victim, an employee of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, was working Feb. 6 at a house in the 400 block of Talala Street when Kendall B. Richards, 19, entered his work van and stole the items.

About 40 minutes later, when the plumber came out of the house, Richards, of 225 Tampa St., pulled out a large kitchen knife, demanded money and then fled on foot, police said. He was caught by police a short time later near Tampa and Talala streets, according to police.

Paul Eisenberg