Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Downers Grove Chief of Police Michael DeVries announced today that three male Cook County juveniles, two fourteen-year-olds and one fifteen-year-old, accused of Attempt Vehicular Hijacking (Class 2 Felony) will be detained until at least their next court appearance. All three juveniles also face misdemeanor charges of Criminal Damage to Property and Obstructing a Peace Officer. Additionally, two of the juveniles, one of the fourteen-year-olds and the fifteen-year-old, are charged with one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony). The juveniles each appeared at a detention hearing this morning where Judge Demetrius Panoushis ordered they be detained. A fourth juvenile allegedly involved in the incident has been identified but is not yet in custody.

It is alleged that on August 3, 2024, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Downers Grove authorities received a call from a female motorist alleging that four individuals, later identified as the juveniles, attempted to carjack her vehicle. Following an investigation into the matter, it is alleged that prior to the 911 call, the juveniles went to a Downers Grove parking deck, broke the rear window of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra and attempted to start the vehicle. After they were unable to start the vehicle, it is alleged that the juveniles then blocked the road in downtown Downers Grove and when the driver came to a stop, they surrounded her car and pulled on the door handles. It is further alleged that the juveniles slapped the car window and kicked the door, called the woman a “b****” and yelled at her to get out of the car. It is alleged that when she called 911, they fled on foot, at which time she drove away. A short time later, officers located the juveniles near Maple Avenue and Main Street. It is alleged that upon seeing the officers, they ran, and officers were only able to detain one of them. Through further investigation, officers were able to identify the other three juveniles allegedly involved. It is alleged that later that morning, at approximately 4:00 a.m., they went back to the Downers Grove parking deck and stole a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was recovered by Chicago Police Department on August 6, 2024 in the 6200 block of Eberhart Avenue.

“At just fourteen and fifteen-years-old, the juveniles charged in this case now find themselves facing multiple serious felony charges,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County we have zero tolerance for such violent behavior, and anyone accused of such regardless of their age will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law.” He commended both police departments for their work in identifying suspects.

“I would like to thank our Investigations Division for their diligence in identifying and apprehending these juveniles,” DeVries said. “I'd also like to thank Chicago Police Department and DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin for their assistance.”

The next court appearance for two of them is scheduled for August 15 while another’s court date is set for August 14 before Judge Panoushis.

Members of public are reminded these complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.