Overview
- Authorities identified the suspect as Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, who was taken into custody Tuesday as he left his home in Hammond, Indiana, and is being held there pending extradition to Illinois.
- Courtney M. Drysdale, 30, was shot twice during a robbery while opening The Line in rural Momence despite complying with demands, according to Sheriff Mike Downey.
- Investigators say the assailant tried to remove a recording device before fleeing, yet usable video evidence was recovered from the bar.
- Before the arrest, officials released surveillance images of a man and a white four-door sedan with a sunroof and distinctive dark rims, and CrimeStoppers offered a $5,000 reward.
- Sheriff Downey praised assistance from the Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force, FBI, U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Hammond Police, and community tipsters; the investigation remains active.