A routine bathroom break at the Village Discount Outlet in Logan Square turned unsettling on Friday when a shopper spotted what looked like a hidden camera tucked under the sink. The 33-year-old woman alerted store staff after a family member removed the device. Her husband placed the camera in a clear plastic bag, telling officers he believed there might be a memory card inside. Police later recovered the device, and Chicago police are now investigating the incident.
Camera Stashed Under Sink, Wrapped In Layers Of Tape
According to the police report, the device was attached to a mounting arm that had been wrapped in duct tape, then covered with cardboard and masking tape before being concealed under the sink. The report notes that officers recovered the camera after the husband turned it over to store staff and raised concerns about a possible memory card. The details were first reported by Block Club Chicago.
Logan Square Location And Chain Footprint
The camera was discovered in the restroom at the Village Discount Outlet at 2032 North Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. According to the Village Discount Outlet store locator, the chain operates roughly 11 stores across the Chicago area, including one in Hammond, Indiana. The company’s website also lists a contact email for corporate inquiries.
Owners Stay Quiet As Staff Call Discovery ‘Disturbing’
Block Club Chicago reports that Adam and Tia Winfield are listed as owners of Village Discount Outlet, and that they did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A store manager told the outlet he was on duty and helped the woman call police, while another employee described the find as “disturbing.” Chicago police declined to comment further, citing an open investigation.
Legal Context
The police report categorized the incident as a sex offense, criminal sexual abuse, and also noted a deceptive practice classification for placing a video recording or transmission device in a restroom. Under Illinois law, those classifications can expose a person to criminal charges under statutes addressing unlawful recording and deceptive practices. For background on the provisions prosecutors may rely on, see the Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5) on the Illinois General Assembly website: Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5).
What To Do If You Find A Device
The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released additional details. Customers who used the Logan Square store’s restroom around the time of the discovery and who may have relevant information are asked to contact Chicago police.
If you ever spot a suspected recording device, avoid tampering with it, note the time and exact location, and contact local law enforcement so investigators can preserve any potential evidence.
