Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pretrial release for a Morton Grove man accused of robbing a man at gunpoint and taking his vehicle in downtown Elmhurst. Isaiah Roach, 19, of the 5900 block of Warren Court appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony), and one count of Theft (Class 2 Felony).

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on June 19, 2024, Roach allegedly met the victim in Elmhurst after responding to an ad the victim had placed on Facebook Marketplace to sell his car for $14,000. After meeting the victim outside the lobby of the Elmhurst Police station, it is alleged they decided to conduct the transaction inside a nearby grocery store where there were security cameras. Once inside the grocery store, Roach allegedly reached into his waistband, displayed a black handgun, and told the victim, “Give me the keys if you ever want to see your family again.” The victim threw his key fob at Roach and ran to the customer service desk and called 911. It is alleged Roach drove off in the victim’s car, which was parked in the police station parking lot. Evanston police officers subsequently located the car at a gas station in Evanston, where they allegedly observed Roach pumping gas. It is alleged Roach fled on foot but was taken into custody by Evanston police. He allegedly had the victim’s key fob in his pocket when arrested.

Roach is currently on pretrial release for Vehicular Hijacking in Cook County.

“It is alleged that while on pretrial release for a forcible felony, Mr. Roach thumbed his nose at the criminal justice system and committed another violent crime,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County we have zero tolerance for armed violence as alleged in this case and we will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for their outstanding work investigating this case and I thank the Evanston Police Department for their assistance in apprehending the alleged offender. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pingaj, Adam Frahm and Alexandria Levan for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Roach.”

“Citizens participating in online exchanges should heed warning signs of a dangerous deal,” Chief McLean said. “Any buyer or seller who is unwilling to come into a police station for a valuable transaction and instead asks to meet elsewhere late at night should be met with suspicion. Don’t agree to a dangerous situation. I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance and support during this investigation.”

Roach’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 15, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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