3 charged with stealing $1,668 in perfume from Walgreens store, fleeing police
Three people have been charged with stealing perfume and other items from a Walgreens store in Willowbrook on Tuesday, then leading police on a chase through several communities that ended in a crash with a patrol vehicle.
Kyla Simmons, 20, of the 3300 block of West Arthington Street in Chicago; Duane Robinson, 23, of the 7900 block of South Wabash Avenue in Chicago; and Monteriana Williams, 20, of the 400 block of North Austin Boulevard in Oak Park, each are charged with burglary and retail theft.
Simmons also faces a charge of aggravated fleeing and eluding, and Robinson is charged with robbery.
Authorities allege that at about 9:25 p.m. Tuesday, Robinson asked a clerk at the store, 501 Plainfield Road, to double-bag 21 bottles of perfume. She then grabbed the bag and fled the store, authorities say.
Simmons and Williams are accused of taking candy, bandages and Neosporin, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.
A Darien police officer on patrol nearby saw a vehicle suspected of being involved in the robbery at Route 83 and Plainfield, and followed it with his siren and emergency lights activated, officials said. A chase ensued, ultimately involving officers from at least 10 law enforcement agencies and a Chicago Police Department helicopter, and reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, authorities say.
The pursuit ended when a Cook County sheriff's deputy pulled in front of the suspects' vehicle near Central Park Avenue and Harrison Street in Chicago. The suspects attempted to back up, but crashed into another officer's vehicle, according to prosecutors.
Authorities found the perfume - valued at $1,668 - and $5,000 in cash in the vehicle.
"The fact that the defendants were in custody less than one hour after the initial call sends the message that if you commit this type of crime in DuPage County, we will use every tool available, including neighboring law enforcement agencies and the use of a helicopter, if necessary, to ensure you are caught, charged and held responsible for your actions," DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin said in a news release.
Bail was set Wednesday at $75,000 for Simmons, $50,000 for Robinson and $10,000 for Williams.