Three charged in marijuana robbery in Wheeling

Wheeling police arrested two men and a girl Thursday over a robbery and aggravated battery late last month in which marijuana and other items were stolen.

Charged with robbery and aggravated battery are Miguel Perez, 21, of the 300 block of Plum Creek Drive in Wheeling and Eddie Echevarria, 19, of the 100 block of Dundee Road in Wheeling.

A female juvenile, who is not being identified, also was charged with robbery and sent to juvenile court.

Wheeling Deputy Police Chief Todd Wolff said that, in light of all the circumstances involved, the victim himself is not being charged for having been in possession of marijuana he intended to sell.

According to police, the three people had contacted the victim to buy marijuana, but concocted a plan to rob him instead. They met the victim Sept. 25 at Strong Avenue and 1st Street, where police said, he got into their car.

Once inside, Perez and Echevarria held the victim down and choked him with a cord around his neck, while demanding he give them the marijuana, police said.

Police said the girl reportedly went through the victim's clothing and took the marijuana and other belongings. The victim was then ordered out of the vehicle.

According to police, Perez, Echevarria and the girl were interviewed by detectives and admitted their involvement.

On Friday, bond was set at $125,000 for Perez and at $75,000 for Echevarria.

The two men's next court date is Friday, Nov. 14 at the Cook County Courthouse in Rolling Meadows.