Crime & Safety

Man Brandishes Knife in Nail Salon Robbery Attempt

The man needed extra cash to buy cocaine, so he tried to rob a nail salon on Harlem Avenue in Forest Park.

A Carol Stream man faces felony attempt armed robbery charges after he brandished a knife and demanded money last Wednesday, July 31, at Lee Nails Spa, 1215 Harlem Ave. in Forest Park, police said. 

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One of the spa's employees told police Robert Seredi, 42, went into the business to ask about prices for a manicure or pedicure and left around 10:45 a.m. He then returned around 12:15 p.m., brandished a knife and said, "Give me the money!" 

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When the employees told him they didn't have access to the money because their boss wasn't around and tried to run away, Seredi chased them around the business, then gave up and fled. 

Police found and arrested Seredi. He told police he frequents Harlem Avenue and Roosevelt Road to buy cocaine. He said he'd planned on buying $100 in cocaine, but only had $10 with him and tried to rob the spa to get the rest of the money he needed, police said. 

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He told police he'd show them where he threw away his sweatshirt and the pen he used to threaten the employees, as well as provide information about his dealer in exchange for a deal, police said.

He was processed on two counts of attempt armed robbery, given an Aug. 8 court date and held on bond. 

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