A man is facing burglary charges after he allegedly climbed into Wrigley Field this week and tried to walk out with over $1,000 worth of merchandise from a gift shop.
The alleged crime comes just a few weeks after another man pleaded guilty to committing a nearly-identical heist — and leaving a note behind that called the ballpark’s security “laughable.”
Wrigley Field was closed for the season Tuesday when a security officer saw 20-year-old Terrel Marshall pacing outside a gate on Waveland Avenue before climbing over an 8-foot fence to enter the Friendly Confines, Assistant State’s Attorney John Gnilka said.
Security officers tracked Marshall to a suite and then to a retail area near right field, Gnilka said. Video allegedly shows Marshall collecting shirts, hats, earrings, and other items from a shuttered souvenir shop.
Guards stopped Marshall, 20, near an elevator. He was carrying $1,124 worth of Cubs gear, Gnilka said. Marshall was twice convicted of felony theft as a juvenile, according to Gnilka.
He is now charged with felony burglary. Judge David Navarro set bail at $10,000, meaning Marshall must post $1,000 to get out of jail to await trial.
Earlier this month, CWBChicago reported that 50-year-old Daniel Smith received probation after he pleaded guilty to a July 2020 burglary at Wrigley Field.
“To whom it may concern, your security in this building is laughable,” Smith allegedly scrawled on the wall of a Cubs gift shop. “Call me, and I will tell you where your weaknesses are.”
Smith allegedly signed the message with his roommate’s name and phone number, then walked out with a $299 jersey.
Cops called the number and met with the roommate. He immediately directed them to Smith.
Police said Smith admitted to scaling the fence and said, “it was a dream come true.” He also again advised the Cubs to “beef up their security.”
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