Three juveniles from Chicago have been charged with burglary, retail theft, and armed violence after allegedly stealing from three Oak Brook businesses on March 8, according to a Mar. 9 announcement by DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis. The suspects, two sixteen-year-old males and one seventeen-year-old female, appeared at a detention hearing where Judge Kishori Tank ordered them held until their next court appearance.
Authorities allege the juveniles targeted the Alo store, Victoria’s Secret, and Macy’s at Oakbrook Court, taking merchandise valued at over $4,400 in total. Police say the suspects were apprehended after leaving Macy’s and were found to be carrying bear spray during the incidents.
Berlin said, “The allegations that these three juveniles drove to Oak Brook and robbed three different establishments one after another after another are extremely alarming. With warm weather on the horizon, the Oak Brook Mall will soon be a destination for thousands of visitors. The quick apprehension of the suspects in this case, however, should serve as a warning to anyone thinking of committing a crime in DuPage County that if you do, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted. I thank the Oak Brook Police Department for their quick response to this matter that led to the apprehension of all three suspects. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Angela Bazianos and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against these defendants.”
Strockis said public–private partnerships are key to safety: “This case highlights the strong working relationships our team has built with loss prevention professionals throughout the community. Public–private partnerships are an essential component of maintaining a safe environment, and we remain committed to ensuring that Oak Brook continues to offer the safest shopping experiences in the state. I would like to commend the officers involved in this incident for their vigilance and professionalism. I would also like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their assistance and guidance throughout this case.”
The next court date is set for March 12 before Judge Tank.
DuPage County is home to 227 schools serving more than 142,000 students with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 13-to-1 according to data from the Illinois State Board of Education. Teacher absenteeism was recorded at 38.3% during the last school year as reported by state education officials. York Community High School had the highest enrollment of white students among county schools with 1,844 students according to official records, while Metea Valley High School had 162 multiracial students enrolled—the highest among its peers according to state data. Westmore Elementary School recorded ten Pacific Islander students—the most among county schools according to state statistics, while Addison Trail High School had an enrollment of 1,259 Hispanic students—the highest number for that demographic group as reported by education authorities.
Officials remind residents that charges are not proof of guilt; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
