Cary man charged in connection with robbery at Galati's Hideaway

An 18-year-old Cary man remained at the McHenry County Jail on Tuesday afternoon in connection with a robbery at a local Italian restaurant, where he allegedly threatened to shoot someone.

After stealing $2,300 from a safe behind the bar area of Galati’s Hideaway, 800 Feinberg Court, Dustin T. Shepherd told someone in the restaurant, “Stop following me or I’ll shoot you,” according to a criminal complaint filed in McHenry County court.

Shepherd, of the 800 block of Elden Drive, is charged with burglary, theft of more than $500 and assault. The most serious charge, burglary, is typically punishable by as many as seven years in prison. He is not charged with possessing a firearm.

A female employee who saw Shepherd in the restaurant did not recognize him, Cary Deputy Police Chief Jim Fillmore said.

Authorities notified residents at 2:51 p.m. Monday about police activity near Bright Oaks Circle in response to the situation. At the time, officers reported that one person was in custody and they did not believe there were additional suspects, according to an alert sent to residents.

Several employees kept an eye on Shepherd after he left the restaurant, and notified police, Fillmore said.

Officers found Shepherd in a subdivision north of the restaurant four minutes after the incident was reported, Fillmore said.

Shepherd’s public defender could not be reached Tuesday afternoon.

Shepherd’s bond is set at $50,000, meaning he would need to post $5,000 bail to be released. He’s due back in court Monday.