Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that the Court granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial two women accused of stealing nearly $6,000 worth of merchandise from two Oak Brook stores. Martasia Barney, 26, of Chicago, and Psy’che Hayes, 35, of Dubuque, Iowa, appeared in First Appearance Court this morning each charged with multiple felonies including Burglary and Retail Theft.

Officers with the Oak Brook Police Department identified two suspects and a Volvo allegedly involved in the theft of a woman’s wallet on June 25, 2024. On July 8, at approximately 6:27 p.m., officers observed two women matching the description from the previous theft walking into Oak Brook from True Food Kitchen. The suspects were carrying empty Forever 21 shopping bags.

Officers began surveillance on the Volvo parked nearby. When Barney and Hayes returned to their vehicle after visiting the mall twice with empty shopping bags, an officer approached them in his squad car. Both women ran toward their vehicle and got inside. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens and parked his vehicle to prevent them from fleeing.

It is alleged that Barney drove the Volvo into the squad car in an attempt to flee. She then reversed into an unoccupied Pontiac G6 and struck another unoccupied Honda Civic before crashing into another squad car. Officers broke out the windows of the Volvo to take Barney and Hayes into custody.

Following further investigation, it is alleged that Barney and Hayes stole approximately $2,714 worth of clothing from Aritzia women’s clothing store at 75 Oak Brook Center before returning to their vehicle. They then allegedly went to Alo Yoga at 68 Oak Brook Center where they stole approximately $3,282 worth of clothing before returning to their vehicle again.

“The allegations that these two defendants stole nearly $6,000 worth of merchandise from two Oakbrook Center stores and then crashed their vehicle into four other vehicles are extremely alarming,” Berlin said. “The denial of pre-trial release for both Ms. Hayes and Ms. Barney sends a strong message that in DuPage County we will not tolerate such disregard for public safety.”

Strockis added: “The reckless criminal actions of these two offenders are appalling... This was a dangerous incident due to their reckless actions.”

The next court appearance for both women is scheduled for August 5, 2024.

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

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