One charged, police searching for accomplices in Vernon Hills computer equipment heist

Police have charged a Chicago man in connection with an early Thursday morning heist of nearly $100,000 worth of computer equipment from a Vernon Hills warehouse.

Vernon Hills police said Patrick Mitchell, 40, of Chicago, was driving a gray Chrysler Pacifica used in the heist to transport the stolen goods.

He was arrested after leading police on a chase to the south side of Chicago where he ultimately crashed on the 5400 block of South Wells Street.

Mitchell is charged with felony theft and felony burglary. He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted, police officials said.

Meanwhile, police are searching for up to six others believed to be involved in the caper that unfolded around 1 a.m. when the Pacifica and two other vehicles were spotted at the CDW complex on the 200 block of North Milwaukee Avenue being loaded with boxes.

A truck driver saw a group of masked individuals removing cargo from a trailer parked in a secured portion of the property, police said.

After confronting the men, the driver was battered and threatened with a firearm that was implied but not displayed, police said.

The suspects fled in the three vehicles and were seen traveling east on Interstate 94 from Route 60 (Townline Road) in Vernon Hills.

A short time later, Glencoe police tried to stop the caravan but were unsuccessful, according to a release.

Police followed the Pacifica until it crashed. Mitchell was uninjured in the crash, police said. A passenger in the Pacifica fled and remains at large.

The passenger remains at large and the other vehicles and occupants have not been found.

Police said the majority of the targeted computer equipment was recovered from the crashed Pacifica.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Vernon Hills police investigators at (847) 362-4449 or email at pdtips@vhills.org.