Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced today that Judge Jeffrey MacKay granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man accused of robbing a man at gunpoint outside an Elmhurst apartment complex. Bennie Gates, 19, of the 6100 block of S. Loomis, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Robbery with a Firearm, a Class X Felony.

On July 5, 2024, at approximately 7:09 a.m., Elmhurst Officers on patrol in the area of Berkely and St. Charles Road were flagged down by an individual who told the officers he had just been robbed by a man with a gun, later identified as Bennie Gates. Through their investigation, officers learned that the victim had offered Gates a ride to Elmhurst for $40 after picking him up from the Chicago Greyhound Bus Station. It is alleged that when the victim dropped Gates off at the Elmhurst Terrace Apartments, Gates exited the vehicle, walked around to the driver’s side, pulled out a handgun from his waistband and told the victim, “you didn't know I had a gun did you?” It is alleged that he demanded his fare back from the victim and instructed him to get his suitcase from the trunk. It is further alleged that Gates then left the area, walking east on Fellows Court.

Several hours later, while surveilling an apartment where they believed Gates was inside, an Elmhurst detective observed an Uber arrive at the apartment and what appeared to be a female in a bomber jacket with long hair and a beanie allegedly exit the apartment and get in the Uber. The detective followed the Uber and effected a traffic stop. Upon making contact with the passenger, the detective identified him as a male wearing a wig. It is alleged that Gates ran from the detective, crossing six lanes of traffic. Using a helicopter, K-9 officers and drones, authorities located and apprehended Gates hiding in a nearby detached garage.

“It is alleged that Mr. Gates robbed at gunpoint an innocent man who had just given him a ride back from Chicago,” Berlin said. “It is further alleged that once Mr. Gates became aware that law enforcement was looking for him, he attempted to flee the scene in an Uber while disguised as a woman. Thanks to the vigilance and outstanding work of the Elmhurst Police Department, Mr. Gates’ attempt to disguise himself as a woman did not fool anyone. Thankfully, the victim in this case was not injured."

Berlin also thanked various law enforcement agencies for their support: "I thank the Chicago Police Department for helicopter air support; Elmhurst Police Department for drone air support; Bloomingdale Police Department; DuPage County Sheriff’s Office; West Chicago Police Department for K-9 support; Villa Park; Oak Brook; Oakbrook Terrace; Addison Police Departments for their assistance."

“This arrest is testament to our police officers' diligence,” McLean said. “The fact this individual remained in hiding for approximately ten hours while detectives maintained watch over search area demonstrates their unwavering commitment to safeguard Elmhurst from dangerous criminal activity.”

Gates’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 29, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to fair trial where it is government’s burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.