Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has denied pre-trial release for two Chicago men. The accused, Kawann Moore, 39, and Richard Pegue, 35, are charged with stealing two chainsaws from a truck and leading police on a high-speed chase.

On May 15, 2024, Lombard police responded to a burglary at 125 S. Lombard Avenue where two chainsaws were stolen. An Oak Brook police officer later located a vehicle suspected to be involved in the burglary. When the officer began following the vehicle, it is alleged that the driver, identified as Moore, started driving into oncoming traffic and fled when the officer activated his emergency lights and sirens.

During the pursuit, Moore allegedly reached speeds of approximately 120 mph on I-55 and about 100 mph in a 35 mph-zone on Ogden Avenue. Both men allegedly exited the vehicle on foot near a school zone where children were outside for recess. After a brief foot pursuit, Pegue was taken into custody near the school while Moore was apprehended after fleeing into a nearby wooded area.

"The dangerous behavior allegedly exhibited by the defendants in this case is extremely alarming," said Berlin. He expressed concern over their reckless driving and fleeing near a school while children were outside for recess.

Strockis commended his department's response to the incident and thanked multiple agencies for their assistance in capturing both offenders. "This should serve as a strong example of the lengths the Oak Brook Police Department will go to bring all offenders to justice," he said.

The next court appearance for both Moore and Pegue is scheduled for June 10, 2024. Members of the public are reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.