On Tuesday, March 2, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin and Addison Director of Police Bill Hayden announced that Judge Brian Jacobs ordered a third Chicago teen charged with hijacking a woman’s car at gunpoint from an Addison Popeye’s restaurant parking lot will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance. The juvenile, who is 16 years old, is charged with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking (Class X Felony) and one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony).
On Saturday, Jan. 23 at approximately 10:46 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicular hijacking near the Popeye’s restaurant in Addison. Upon their arrival, officers learned that the victim, a 20-year-old female, had been walking through the restaurant’s parking lot when she was approached by three individuals, two of whom were armed. It is alleged that the individuals threatened her to give up her cash, cellular telephone and car keys or they would kill her. It is further alleged that after the victim turned over her belongings to the defendants, all three individuals got into her car and fled at a high rate of speed.
As the defendants allegedly fled, a nearby patrol officer began pursuit and, with assistance from the Illinois State Police and their helicopter, was able to track the vehicle to the south side of Chicago.
It is further alleged that when officers approached the vehicle, the individuals fled the scene on foot. One of the suspects was apprehended at this time by assisting Chicago Police officers while the other two suspects were able to avoid apprehension. On Sunday, Jan. 31, Addison police officers, with assistance from the Chicago Police Department, took the second juvenile into custody while executing a search warrant at the juvenile’s home. Both juveniles are presently in custody at the St. Charles Juvenile Detention Center. The State has filed a motion to have the first of the two juveniles transferred to adult court while the second juvenile will remain in Juvenile Court.
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, the third juvenile was located in Madison, Wis., and arrested by local authorities. On Monday, March 1, officers with the Addison Police Department returned the juvenile to DuPage County to face the charges against him.
“The apprehension of the third and final suspect in this case demonstrates DuPage County Law Enforcement’s commitment to fighting crime and our determination in achieving justice,” Berlin said. “The outstanding cooperation and teamwork demonstrated by all the agencies involved sends the message that we will use every tool at our disposal to apprehend, charge and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone suspected of committing a violent crime, as is alleged in this case.”
The juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, for status in front of Judge Jacobs.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt.
