Florida man's crime spree in Chicago ends with arrest after reselling stolen items: sheriff

COOK COUNTY, Ill. - A Florida man is in custody after a crime spree in Chicago in which he stole thousands of dollars in merchandise and resold the items in West Englewood, authorities said.

The suspect, 27-year-old Brandon Kelly, is also accused of threatening a store clerk at gunpoint.

What we know 

Last month, investigators received a tip that the Kelly, of Jacksonville, Fla., was selling stolen merchandise in the 6300 block of South Ashland Avenue.

A surveillance operation led to Kelly's arrest Thursday, Jan. 9.

Pictured is 27-year-old Brandon Kelly. (Cook County Sheriff's Office)

Authorities said Kelly stole merchandise from several stores in the 4900 block of South Kedzie Avenue and resold the items in West Englewood.

Investigators later determined Kelly had pulled a firearm from his waistband during one theft and threatened a store clerk.

During his arrest, authorities recovered a loaded handgun and $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise.

Kelly, who had an active arrest warrant in Cook County for shoplifting, had previously been arrested in Illinois, Florida, and California for retail theft, burglary, domestic violence, and violating an order of protection, authorities said.

He was charged Friday with multiple felonies, including aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, retail theft, and aggravated assault with a firearm.

What's next in the case

Kelly appeared in court Saturday for his initial hearing at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse. 

A judge ordered him to be detained at the Cook County Jail until his next court date, which is set for Jan. 14.