On Sunday, Jan. 28, at approximately 1:52 p.m. the Elmhurst Police Department responded to WIN Auto Plaza at 704 W. Lake Street for a 911 call reporting a vehicle theft in progress. It was learned that two dealership employees had arrived at the used car dealership to drop off a vehicle when they observed a man in the rear parking lot stealing a blue Infiniti coupe belonging to the business. One employee called 911 while another employee followed the stolen car in their vehicle.
The offender is believed to have mistakenly turned onto a dead-end street at Mary Court and Junior Terrace. The employee attempted to block the Infiniti with his vehicle, while the offender accelerated to pass the employee. The vehicles collided and the offender ran from the damaged Infiniti.
Responding police officers arrived at the scene and set up a perimeter to search for the offender with the aid of a police K-9 and public safety drone. At 2:10 p.m. Elmhurst police officers located the offender at West Ave. and Lorraine St. Officers safely took the offender into custody and transported him to the Elmhurst Police Station.
While investigating the incident, officers determined the offender had burglarized the closed dealership by breaking through a glass door, entering, and removing the vehicle key from inside the building. Further, the dealership security camera system was damaged by the offender while perpetrating the burglary. It was learned the offender traveled to the area of the dealership using a rideshare company app and had planned to steal this particular Infiniti.
In consultation with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Joshua M. Pickett, 19, of the 1000 block of E. 73rd St., Chicago, was charged with burglary, theft of property-more than $10,000 value, possession of stolen motor vehicle, and two counts of criminal damage to property. He was transported to the DuPage County Jail and was granted pretrial release at first appearance court on Monday, Jan. 29. Pickett’s next court date is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26, in DuPage County Circuit Court.
Members of the public are reminded defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
