(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Five migrants from Venezuela tried to steal more than $2,000 worth of merchandise in Oak Brook this week and laughed as police officers arrested them, DuPage County prosecutors said.
Police were notified Tuesday evening that a group of men stole merchandise from the Nike store, 2155 W. 22nd Street, authorities said. Oak Brook police reportedly saw the vehicle involved in that incident outside the Ulta store at the same mall.
When three men exited the store and got into the vehicle, police tried to initiate a traffic stop. The automobile pulled away before it was boxed in by additional officers, authorities said.
The five suspects who were taken into custody allegedly stole nine fragrances from the Ulta store valued at $1,331, plus shoes and a hat from the Nike store worth $727, prosecutors say.
“It is alleged that when the defendants were taken into custody, they were laughing at the officers and not taking this matter seriously,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release. “I can assure you, in DuPage County we take these allegations very seriously.”
Charged with retail theft and burglary were five Venezuelans with no known permanent address: Miguel Ortiz-Griman, 24; Felix Garcia-Diaz, 25; Daniel Fernandez-Rodriguez, 18; Samuel Alvarez-Garcia, 25; and Oswaldo Rivero-Herrera, 33.
A judge on Wednesday denied prosecutors’ request to detain the suspects pre-trial, Berlin said. They are next due in court on March 18.
“Much of society is tired of hearing about these types of crimes and I’d like to thank the witness for being alert and contacting the police in this incident,” Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis said.
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram