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WHEATON, ill. – TO chicago A man was arrested this week after allegedly robbing a suburban AutoZone and threatening an employee with a gun.

Elliot Thomas, 38, faces one count of armed robbery with a firearm, prosecutors said.

wheat Police responded Monday to reports of an armed individual at AutoZone at 809 E. Roosevelt Road. Authorities said Thomas entered the store, took a set of Duralast torque wrenches valued at $25.99 and left without paying.

When the store’s security sensors were activated, an employee followed Thomas outside and asked him to return.

Thomas initially ignored the request, but then turned to the employee and allegedly said, “You don’t want to know what I have here,” in a threatening manner.

He allegedly unzipped a crossbody bag and displayed a Stoeger STR-9 9mm pistol loaded with a 15-round magazine.

Thomas then fled the scene in a 2002 Chevy Tahoe, prosecutors said.

Glen Ellyn Police located him minutes later and conducted a traffic stop. Officers reportedly found the firearm in the bag and the stolen twist cap in the vehicle.

Thomas was taken into custody and a judge granted the state’s request to detain him pending trial.

His next court appearance is scheduled for December 2.