Pre-trial release denied for two men charged in Bensenville gas station robbery
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin announced on Mar. 25 that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied pre-trial release for Tavon Williams and Robert Hoes, both of Chicago, who are accused of robbing a Bensenville gas station at gunpoint.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about violent crime and public safety in DuPage County. Authorities say the incident involved an armed robbery, a high-speed chase, and an altercation with police officers.
According to the announcement, Williams faces several charges including armed robbery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender, unlawful possession of a machine gun, aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and aggravated fleeing and eluding police. Hoes is charged with armed robbery with a firearm, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and aggravated battery to a police officer.
Authorities allege that on March 23 at approximately 2:21 a.m., Williams and Hoes entered Casey's Gas Station in Bensenville while the clerk was behind the counter. Williams allegedly brandished a handgun while demanding money from the cashier as Hoes took cash registers before both fled in what was later determined to be a stolen Honda Civic. Police report that during their attempt to escape at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on St. Charles Road near North Avenue, the suspects were pursued by law enforcement from multiple agencies until their vehicle crashed on I-290 near Mannheim Road. Both men were taken into custody after attempting to flee on foot; one officer was reportedly punched during the arrest but released after medical treatment.
“It is alleged that in the middle of the night, Mr. Williams and Mr. Hoes violently robbed at gunpoint a gas station clerk who was just trying to make an honest living,” Berlin said. “Additionally, the allegations that the defendants in this case then led police on a dangerous high-speed chase...are alarming...Thankfully, the clerk was not physically injured.” Berlin also thanked local law enforcement agencies for their cooperation leading to what he called “the safe apprehension of the defendants.”
Bensenville Chief of Police Brad Swanson said: “The community extends its sincere gratitude to...all responding personnel...Their actions helped protect residents...We also recognize and deeply appreciate assistance provided by neighboring agencies...Finally we thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their continued guidance...”
Both defendants are scheduled for another court appearance April 6 before Judge Mia McPherson; if convicted they face minimum sentences of twenty-one years each.
Meanwhile DuPage County continues to see changes within its education system as well: The average student-to-teacher ratio stood at 13-to-1 during the 2022-23 school year across county schools serving over 142,000 students with more than 10,600 full-time faculty members according to state data. Teacher absenteeism rates reached 38.3%—higher than Illinois’ statewide average as reported by state sources. York Community High School had DuPage’s highest enrollment among white students (1,844), Metea Valley High School led among multiracial students (162), Westmore Elementary had most Pacific Islander students (10), while Addison Trail High School recorded highest Hispanic student enrollment (1,259) according to official statistics.
Authorities remind residents that all charges are accusations only; both men remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.