A caged canary was found outside a closed Oak Lawn tobacco shop early Wednesday morning, after police say a burglar broke in through a rear window and left the bird behind in temperatures below 50 degrees. Andre Starkes, 31, of Chicago, was arrested minutes after police responded and now faces felony and misdemeanor charges tied to the incident.
Officers responded to Star One Tobacco, located at 4741 W. 103rd St. in Oak Lawn, around 3 a.m. Wednesday after the store’s owner spotted a man inside the closed shop through a live security camera feed, according to FOX 32 Chicago. When officers arrived, they found a broken rear window at the business and located Starkes about a block away within minutes of the initial call.
The store manager identified Starkes as the suspected burglar, and officers found him in possession of several items allegedly stolen from the business, per the same report. Investigators also determined that the store’s security alarm system had been damaged during the break-in.
A Canary Left Out in the Cold
Among the items recovered was a green and yellow pet canary, found left outside the shop in its birdcage. Temperatures were below 50 degrees at the time, and police said extended exposure to those conditions could be fatal to a canary. Officials confirmed to the station that the bird was brought back to warmer temperatures and survived.
Police allege Starkes did not stop at the tobacco shop. The same report states he allegedly broke a window at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, located at 4727 W. 103rd St., just doors down from Star One Tobacco.
Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Filed
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved two felony charges against Starkes: burglary and tampering with a security system. He also faces multiple misdemeanor charges, including animal cruelty and criminal damage to property, the station reported.
Starkes appeared at a detention hearing Thursday afternoon at the Bridgeview Courthouse, where a judge ordered him held in custody. Oak Lawn police credited the store owners’ quick reporting and cooperation for helping officers locate and arrest the suspect.
Starkes’ detention came under Illinois’ pretrial system, which eliminated cash bond statewide in September 2023. Cook County’s summary of the Pretrial Fairness Act describes changes to money bond and detention procedures. Cook County’s summary of the Pretrial Fairness Act describes the change to money bond and detention procedures.
