Willowbrook Suspects Lead Cops On Chase: Authorities

WILLOWBROOK, IL – Three people who stole more than $1,500 worth of perfume from a Willowbrook store led officers on a pursuit into Chicago on Tuesday, authorities said.

The suspects were identified as Kyla Simmons, 20, of Chicago; Duane Robinson, 23, of Chicago; and Monteriana Williams, 20, of Oak Park.

About 9:30 p.m., officers were called about the theft at Walgreens at 501 Plainfield Road. Robinson asked a store clerk to double-bag 21 bottles of perfume, authorities said. After the clerk did so, Robinson grabbed the bag and ran out of the store without paying, police said.

A nearby Darien officer positioned his squad car behind the suspects' car at Route 83 and Plainfield.

The driver of the suspects' car, Simmons, did a U-turn on Route 83, prompting the officer to activate his emergency lights, prosecutors said in a news release.

Simmons sped up, reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, police said.

Other agencies and a Chicago police helicopter joined the pursuit.

The car was found near Central Park Avenue and Harrison Street in Chicago.

When Cook County sheriff's deputies pulled in front of the car, Simmons put the car in reverse and crashed into another officer's car, causing damage, prosecutors said.

Officers found the 21 bottles of perfume and $5,000 in cash in the suspects' car, police said.

“The type of criminal behavior alleged against these three defendants clearly displays their complete disregard for public safety and the rule of law,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

The suspects were charged with felony burglary and retail theft. Simmons was also charged with two felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding. Robinson was also charged with felony robbery.