An investigation into suspicious activity led to three arrests and charges of illegal possession of alcohol, obstructing an officer and theft early Saturday night.

Timothy J. Stout, 17, of McHenry, Joshua M. Crandall, 20, of Wonder Lake, and Gregory G. Voegtl, 18, of Spring Grove, were arrested by University Police outside the West Heating Plant at 3:24 a.m.

Lt. Todd Henert said an officer was on patrol when he observed Stout, Crandall and Voegtl emerging from behind bushes and trees. Henert said the officer noted it as suspicious because of the time and that “it’s a place you generally don’t see students.”

The three individuals began to walk faster away from the officer, but only Crandall ran when the officer stopped them.

“They eventually caught up with him,” Henert said.

The officer discovered a stolen purse and laptop in their possession, in addition to alcohol. Henert said the victims did not know their property had been stolen when they were informed.

Stout and Voegtl were charged with theft under $300, while Crandall was charged with obstructing an officer. All three were charged with illegal possession of alcohol. They were transported to DeKalb County Jail.