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| Todd Howe (inset) is accused of targeting two stores in this Mag Mile mall. | CPD; Google |
A career criminal is back in Stateville prison this morning after having his parole revoked for allegedly robbing the Michigan Avenue Bloomingdale’s store and stealing a $29,000 engagement ring from another Mag Mile retailer.
Police said 51-year-old Todd Howe of west suburban Elmwood Park was identified as the person who pulled out a handgun to ward off a Bloomingdale’s employee who tried to stop him from stealing four pairs of Chanel sunglasses on Jan. 24.
One month later, Howe returned to the same mall at 900 North Michigan and snatched a one-of-a-kind “cushion cut” diamond ring from an employee at The Goldsmith jewelry store, police said. Howe later sold the stolen ring to a jewelry store in southwest suburban Burr Ridge, according to investigators.
A fugitive apprehension team took Howe into custody on March 14th.
He is charged with Class X felony armed robbery with a firearm and felony theft. Judge Stephanie Miller ordered him held without bail and the state last week revoked Howe’s parole.
State records show that Howe was released early from prison in Jan. 2018 after serving half of a three-year sentence for retail theft. His previous prison sentences include six years for burglary in 2010; one year for retail theft in 2010; two years for aggravated fleeing from police in 2009; two years for criminal damage to state property in 2007; nine years for attempted vehicular hijacking in 1998; two years for aggravated reckless driving in 1996; another two years for stalking in 1996; and five years for burglary in 1993.
Editors note: Howe’s hometown was originally reported in this report as being downstate Elmwood, as listed on his arrest report. In fact, Howe’s home is in Elmwood Park. We have updated this story.
