On Thursday, Oct. 20, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Addison Director of Police Bill Hayden announced that bond had been set for a Chicago man accused of stealing an Addison police officer’s personal vehicle from the Addison Municipal Center.
Jerome Fears, 20, of the 3700 block of S. Wabash, Chicago, appeared at a bond hearing where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $500,000 with 10% to apply. Fears has been charged with two counts of aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 1 felony), one count of aggravated attempt possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), two counts of burglary to a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), one count of Theft (Class 2 felony), one count of attempt theft (Class 3 felony), two counts of criminal damage to property (Class 4 felony) and one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony). Additionally, Judge Telander granted the State’s motion for a source of funds hearing which requires Fears to prove that any funds used to post bond were not illegally obtained.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Addison police officers were dispatched to 4 Friendship Plaza for a theft of motor vehicle in progress. Upon their arrival, officers allegedly observed a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was parked approximately 50 feet away from the police department, and another vehicle exiting an Addison Police Department shared parking lot, heading eastbound on Lake Street.
It is alleged that both vehicles began to increase speed and committed multiple moving violations at which time, officers activated their emergency lights and sirens. Both vehicles allegedly did not stop and continued to northbound Route 83 where officers called off the pursuit due to speed. It is alleged that the stolen Jeep reached speeds of approximately 130 mph.
Through the course of their investigation into the matter, authorities learned of an attempted motor vehicle theft of a 2021 Dodge, also belonging to an Addison police officer, from the same municipal parking lot the same evening. Authorities were also able to identify Fears as a suspect in the case. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Fears was taken into custody following the execution of a search warrant at a residence located in Batavia.
“The allegations that Mr. Fears not only stole a vehicle parked just 50 feet from the Addison Police Department, but then fled authorities reaching speeds of 130 mph are unconscionable,” Berlin said. “The brazen, lawless actions alleged against Mr. Fears demonstrate a complete and utter disregard for the rule of law, public safety and societal norms. This type of alleged behavior will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be aggressively prosecuted.”
“I thank Addison Police Department for their outstanding investigation that led to the arrest of the suspect in this case.”
“The successful identification and apprehension of the suspect in this case is a testament to the outstanding cooperative efforts displayed by multiple law enforcement agencies dedicated to public safety,” Hayden said. “I am proud to work with our fellow officers to bring perpetrators of violent crimes, such as alleged today, to justice.”
Fears’ next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 16, for arraignment in front of Judge Telander.
An investigation into the matter continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Addison Police Department at (630) 693-7941.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt.
