Wisconsin man charged in Crystal Lake Circle K robbery

A 33-year-old Wisconsin man has been arrested and is accused of robbing the Circle K gas station at 220 Virginia St. in Crystal Lake early Monday, Crystal Lake police said.

The suspect allegedly went into the store, told staff that he was armed and demanded money from the cashier. He then was seen leaving the store, located at 220 Virginia St., on foot headed to the east, according to a news release from the Crystal Lake Police Department.

Police were then called to the store at 12:40 a.m. after the robbery, but the suspect had already left the area. No injuries were reported.

The Harvard Police Department believed that the robber matched the description of Joseph Hunter of Clinton, Wis., who had been taken into custody after he was found in possession of a vehicle that was reported stolen to Crystal Lake police. Harvard Police Chief Mark Krause said Hunter told police he currently resides in Woodstock.

Harvard police officers made contact with Hunter walking away from the reported vehicle about 10:54 a.m. Monday. Hunter subsequently ran from police but was apprehended a short time later, according to a news release from the Harvard Police Department.

Crystal Lake detectives traveled to Harvard to gather evidence related to the robbery. Charges against Hunter then were approved by the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Hunter is charged with aggravated robbery, a Class 1 felony punishable by 4 to 15 years in prison, and theft. He faces additional charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting a peace officer related to the stolen car.

Hunter was transported to McHenry County Jail to await a bond hearing.