Dupage Policy Journal

DuPage County authorities have charged four women and a juvenile in connection with thefts at the Oak Brook Nordstrom Rack. The incidents occurred last Friday evening, according to DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis.

Shavaughn Johnson, 18, D’Errika Thrasher, 18, and Alanah Booker, 22, appeared in court facing charges of burglary and retail theft. Johnson also faces an aggravated battery charge for allegedly assaulting a police officer during her arrest. A sixteen-year-old female juvenile was charged similarly but released to her mother's custody. In a separate incident on the same day, Darnella Williams, 19, was charged with burglary and retail theft.

Authorities allege that around 8:35 p.m., Johnson, Thrasher, Booker, and the juvenile entered the store located at 2155 W. 22nd Street. They reportedly took clothing and other items worth over $300 before being apprehended by police outside the store. Johnson allegedly resisted arrest by punching an officer in the chest and biting him on his bicep.

Earlier that evening at approximately 7:04 p.m., Williams is alleged to have stolen merchandise valued at $716.87 using a child car seat to conceal items before being stopped by a loss prevention officer.

Berlin stated: “It is alleged that in two unrelated incidents, these five defendants helped themselves to more than three hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise from the Nordstrom Rack store and simply walked out the door without paying.” He further commented on Johnson's alleged actions against law enforcement: “To make matters worse...one of the defendants...fought with and bit an officer as he placed her under arrest.”

Chief Strockis remarked on the offenders' conduct: “These incidents demonstrate the offenders’ blatant disregard for the law,” adding appreciation for his officers' efforts in maintaining public safety.

The court has scheduled appearances for January 6 for Johnson, Thrasher, and Booker; Williams is due back on January 10 before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. The defendants are barred from entering Oak Brook Nordstrom Rack as part of their release conditions.

The charges are not proof of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt.