Dupage Policy Journal

Two teenagers have been charged with armed robbery following an incident at a park in Woodridge, Illinois. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Woodridge Chief of Police Tom Stefanson announced the charges against Jordan Jones, 18, from Oswego, and a sixteen-year-old male from Woodridge.

The charges stem from an event on November 17, 2024, when police responded to Castaldo Park after reports of a gun being pulled on a man. The victim claimed that two individuals stole Apple AirPods and two hoodies at gunpoint after arranging the sale through Snapchat for $495. It is alleged that once at the park, Jones and the juvenile approached the victim with what was later identified as a BB gun.

Jones appeared in court charged with one count of armed robbery, a Class X Felony, and one count of misdemeanor fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. Judge Joshua Dieden ordered him detained pre-trial. The juvenile faces similar charges including aggravated robbery and will remain detained until his next court appearance.

Police investigations led to the suspects' location in a GMC SUV shortly after the incident. The vehicle allegedly disobeyed traffic signals before officers lost sight of it. Later that evening, officers found the vehicle on a tow truck in Westmont and took custody of Jones. A search revealed three BB guns inside.

Berlin stated: “The allegations that these two defendants robbed an innocent man at gunpoint in a public park are outrageous.” He emphasized that such behavior would be met with legal consequences. Stefanson added: “This was a very serious incident that will not be tolerated in our safe community of Woodridge.”

Jones’ arraignment is set for December 16, 2024, while the juvenile's next hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2024.

Authorities remind the public that these charges are not proof of guilt; both defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.