Authorities are investigating the theft of three cigarette cartons from a 200 block S. Van Dorn St. store late last month. 
    
The suspect approached the counter and asked to buy the cartons about 7:55 p.m., February 24. After the clerk bagged the cigarettes, the unidentified man grabbed the merchandise and fled into the night, police said. 
    
He is described as a bearded black man, about 5-foot-10 and weighing more than 200 pounds with a medium build. He wore light blue jeans, a black jacket, white shoes and a black hat at the time, police said.