Sticky-Fingered Robber Hits Bleeding Heart Bakery, Locks Up Staffer

By Kim Bellware in News on Dec 7, 2011 5:40PM

The Bleeding Heart Bakery's Oak Park location was robbed last night, with the thief locking a lone staffer in the basement before making off with $3,550.

A release issued by the Village of Oak Park states the male suspect entered the bakery around 7:15 p.m., grabbed the staffer behind the counter and demanded cash from the register. The man then forced the clerk into the basement storage area and locked her inside. Trib Local reported the man also took the clerk's cell phone and car keys before fleeing with additional cash from a safe. Bleeding Heart's Oak Park location is open every day till 9 p.m.

As of now, the store will remained closed for a few days according a post on the bakery's Facebook page:

I'm very sorry to say that our store will be closed for a few days as we recoup from last nights robbery and reaccess [sic] our business here. Please keep our employee who was attacked in your thoughts and we will keep you updated to a possible reopening.

The staff experienced "minor injuries" according to the police report. The suspect is described as African American, 5'8", and approximately 24 years old. He was last seen wearing a brown, zippered hooded jacket and a Louis Vuitton style baseball hat.

The police are asking anyone with information about the suspect or the crime to call the Oak Park Police Department at 708-386-3800. Anonymous tips can be made by telephone to 708-434-1636 or via e-mail at www.oak-park.us/police.