Two people have been charged following stealing merchandise from suburban stores and fleeing police in two separate incidents on the same day, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Jehyejah Moore, 22, of Woodridge, has been charged with one felony crime of retail theft and one felony count of aggravated fleeing from a police officer.
Jrlani Williams, 32, of Chicago, has been charged with one felony count of burglary, one felony count of aggravated escaping a police officer, and many misdemeanors such as retail theft, resisting an officer, and driving with a suspended license.
On February 10, at about 2:07 p.m., Oak Brook police responded to Nordstrom, located at 10 Oakbrook Center, for a report of a retail theft in progress. According to authorities, officers discovered a white Chevrolet Equinox driving westbound on I-88. Officers activated emergency lights and sirens, but the automobile, later identified as being driven by Moore, sped away. Moore reportedly reached speeds of 112 mph before the officer terminated the pursuit for safety reasons. Officers later arrived at Moore’s home and arrested her.
Moore entered Nordstrom, picked several things, including SKIMS underwear and two t-shirts, took them into a changing room, and removed the anti-theft sensor. Moore then allegedly left the fitting room, stole a beanie and another t-shirt, and fled the store without paying. Police say a loss prevention officer met her outside the store and removed all of the stuff except the SKIMS before she fled in her white Equinox.
On February 10, at about 5:18 p.m., Elmhurst police officers responded to a call about a retail theft in progress at a Kohl’s at 303 South Route 83. Williams allegedly arrived at the business, parked a white Jaguar F-Type in a handicapped parking area, entered the store, stole a Ninja blender, disconnected the anti-theft sensor, and placed it in a shopping cart. Then, he allegedly chose an electric griddle and placed it in the shopping cart before leaving it near the front door.
When officers arrived, they placed a stop stick beneath Williams’ rear passenger-side tire and waited. According to authorities, when Williams left the business and got into his car, they told him to get out, but he drove away instead, deflating his rear tire. Police allege they lost sight of Williams before discovering the Jaguar abandoned in a ditch near York Street and Butterfield Road. They eventually discovered Williams hiding in the trees and apprehended him after a brief foot pursuit.
What they’re saying: “With the warm weather just around the corner, we encourage everyone to come to DuPage County and enjoy all we have to offer,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, said. “We are an extremely welcoming community, but I want to emphasize that we are welcoming only to those who obey the law. Law enforcement in DuPage County is extremely well-trained and prepared to arrest anyone who comes here intent on criminal activity.”
“These two incidents underscore a clear message: the eastern edge of this county is not the place to commit a crime,” Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis said. “The technology, coordination, and investigative tactics used to bring these offenders to justice were truly exceptional. I am grateful for the strong partnerships we maintain with our allied agencies, who work collaboratively every day to keep our communities safe.”
“Choosing to run from law enforcement, whether behind the wheel or on foot, puts lives at risk,” Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean said. “I’m proud of the effective response by our officers, who leveraged pursuit termination equipment, public safety cameras and their physical effort to bring this incident to a safe and lawful conclusion.”
Moore will stay in detention until her next court appearance on February 17. Williams will also remain in detention until his next court date on March 9.
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