An alert police officer on general patrol in LaSalle is being credited for nabbing a break and enter suspect.
Just before 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, the officer spotted a man riding a bicycle carrying a large box with several packs of cigarettes inside.
The suspect was stopped and further investigation revealed a stack of lottery tickets as well with the man unable to give an explanation as to why he had them.
Additional officers were called in and a check of nearby businesses found a gas station on Malden Road had been broken into.
The male suspect is facing a long list of charges including break and enter and possession of stolen property.
The goods were seized and returned to the gas station owner.