DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for two Chicago men accused of burglarizing an Elmhurst liquor store and leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen car. Michael Harris, 19 (d.o.b. 12/21/2004) of the 6200 block of S. Indiana Avenue and Antwan Ford, 22 (d.o.b. 9/21/2002) of the 0-100 block of 29W 114th Place each appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony), one count of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony). Harris is also charged with an additional count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding as well as one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony) and multiple Misdemeanor and Petty offenses including Leaving the Scene of an Accident Involving Damage to an Attended Vehicle, Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road and No Valid Driver’s License.
On October 10, 2024, at approximately 4:47 a.m., Elmhurst police officers on patrol in the area of Corner Cottage Liquors, located at 526 W North Ave, observed a red Alfa Romeo Stelvio and White Dodge Challenger backed into the front parking stall of the closed business with the trunks open and three individuals standing outside the vehicles wearing black face masks and hoodies. It is alleged that when the officers approached the individuals, they entered both vehicles and fled the area. Officers were unable to follow the Challenger and began pursuit of the Alfa Romeo, allegedly driven by Harris with Ford as a passenger, onto North Avenue. It is alleged that during the pursuit, the officers’ vehicle was able to get ahead of the Alfa Romeo and attempted to slow it down at which time the Alfa Romeo rear ended the officers’ squad car, causing approximately $6,000 to $8,000 worth of damage, and then drove into oncoming traffic to get away. It is further alleged that Harris increased his speed while still driving the wrong way as officers continued pursuit with their emergency lights and siren activated. It is alleged that officers continued pursuing Harris onto I-290 where he reached speeds of 115 mph. Officers terminated pursuit out of safety concerns. With assistance from the Oak Brook and Oak Park Police Departments, officers tracked the Alfa Romeo to the area of Adams Boulevard and Austin Boulevard in Oak Park where the vehicle became disabled. Approximately three minutes later officers with the Oak Park Police Department arrived at the disabled vehicle and allegedly observed two individuals exit the vehicle and flee on foot. Both men were apprehended and identified as Harris and Ford. In addition, a backpack containing a loaded Glock 26 Gen 5 handgun was located near where Harris was apprehended. Following further investigation, it is alleged that the individuals observed in front of the Corner Cottage Liquors store smashed the glass door of the business, stole eight cartons of cigarettes and the cash drawer containing approximately $100 in cash. Authorities also learned that the Alfa Romeo was reported stolen out of Chicago last Sunday.
“It is alleged that not only did the defendants break into and steal merchandise and cash from an Elmhurst business, but they also then proceeded to lead police on an extremely dangerous high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle putting the general public as well as innocent motorists at risk,” Berlin said. “This type of criminal behavior and disregard for public safety will not be tolerated in DuPage County. We are all very thankful that no one was injured as a result of the defendants’ alleged actions. I thank the Elmhurst Police Department for their heads-up work and good judgement on this case and for their continued commitment to protecting our residents and businesses. I also thank the Oak Brook and Oak Park Police Departments for their assistance that led to the apprehension of the defendants as well as Assistant State’s Attorneys Adam Frahm, Melissa Kravich and Sandi Tanoue for their work in securing charges against Mr. Harris and Mr. Ford.”
“Those that come to victimize our community should be on notice the Elmhurst Police Department and our partner law enforcement agencies will proactively apprehend them and ensure they are brought to justice,” McLean said. “I would like to thank the Elmhurst police officers whose vigilant patrol interrupted this crime and the members of the Oak Brook and Oak Park Police Departments for their valuable assistance during the apprehension of the defendants. I also thank States Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their assistance during this investigation.”
The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled for November 4, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
