Bob Berlin DuPage County State's Attorney's Office | Official website
Bob Berlin DuPage County State's Attorney's Office | Official website
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Westmont Chief of Police James Gunther announced that Judge Joshua Dieden has approved the state's request to detain a homeless man, Bryce Fleming, before trial. Fleming is accused of breaking into a Westmont home and stealing the homeowner's car. He faces charges of Residential Burglary, a Class 1 Felony, and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a Class 2 Felony.
The incident occurred on March 25, 2024. Westmont police responded to a disturbance call on Naperville Road at approximately 11:48 p.m. The victim reported hearing noises from her kitchen while she was in her bedroom. Upon investigation, she found her back door open and her purse ransacked. Her vehicle, a 2022 Hyundai Tucson, was also missing from the garage.
Authorities allege that Fleming manipulated a windowpane to unlock the door and enter the home. Once inside, he allegedly took debit and credit cards from the woman's purse and car keys along with a garage door opener from the living room. He then reportedly opened the garage door and stole the Hyundai.
At around midnight, Hinsdale police spotted the stolen vehicle traveling eastbound on Burlington Avenue and conducted a traffic stop, taking Fleming into custody.
State’s Attorney Berlin stated, "My office takes the behavior alleged in this case extremely seriously," emphasizing the impact such crimes can have on victims and communities. He expressed gratitude towards both Westmont and Hinsdale police departments for their swift actions in handling the case.
Chief Gunther praised his officers for their quick response and thanked neighboring jurisdictions for their assistance in apprehending Fleming. He acknowledged Addison Consolidated Dispatch Center for disseminating crucial information.
Fleming is scheduled to appear in court again on April 22, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Brian Telander.
The public is reminded that these charges are not proof of guilt; Fleming is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
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