Judge orders pre-trial detention for two men after Oak Brook police pursuit and gun charge
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced on Apr. 9 that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain two Chicago men before trial, following allegations of a high-speed chase and illegal possession of a loaded firearm in Oak Brook. Lorenzo Bell, age 20, faces charges of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, while his co-defendant Jahiem Russell, age 22, is charged with unlawful possession of a stolen license plate and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
The case highlights ongoing public safety concerns in the area as authorities respond to incidents involving weapons and vehicle theft. The alleged incident occurred on April 8 when an officer attempted to stop a blue Nissan near Oak Brook Center. Police say Russell sped away at high speeds through heavy traffic, eventually striking road barrels and reversing into an Oak Brook squad car before both suspects fled on foot but were apprehended by law enforcement.
Berlin said, “The allegations that Mr. Russell fled from police at a high rate of speed in the middle of the afternoon near the Oak Brook Mall while his co-defendant, Lorenzo Bell, a convicted felon currently on probation for unlawful possession of a weapon, was illegally in possession of a loaded gun, are beyond disturbing.” He added praise for law enforcement efforts: “Once again, I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their outstanding efforts on this case and for their ongoing commitment to the safety of the visitors, employees and businesses at the Oak Brook Mall.”
Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis also addressed community concerns: “When criminals come into our community using stolen license plates, they are not here to commit minor offenses - they are here with intent to do harm,” Strockis said. “This case is yet another example of dangerous individuals armed with an illegal firearm who were stopped and held accountable by the decisive actions of the Oak Brook Police Department.”
The next court appearance for both defendants is scheduled for May 4 before Judge Mia McPherson. Authorities remind residents that these charges are not proof of guilt; both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
DuPage County has seen significant activity across its schools as well; there were approximately 142,363 students enrolled during the 2022-23 school year with an average student-to-teacher ratio reported as thirteen-to-one according to state data. Teacher absenteeism rates reached about thirty-eight percent countywide during that period as reported by state education officials. Among local schools: York Community High School had DuPage's highest white student enrollment (1,844), Metea Valley High School led among multiracial students (162), Westmore Elementary School recorded ten Pacific Islander students—the most in any county school—and Addison Trail High School had DuPage's largest Hispanic student population (1,259) according to official records.