Elmhurst Suspect Disguises Self As Woman: Cops

ELMHURST, IL – An armed robbery suspect tried to get away from Elmhurst officers by disguising himself as a woman, authorities said.

About 7 a.m. Friday, a man flagged down an officer at Berkley Avenue and St. Charles Road. He said he had just been robbed by a man later identified as 19-year-old Bennie Gates of Chicago.

The victim had offered a ride to Gates for $40 after picking him up at Chicago's Greyhound bus station, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

The victim dropped off Gates at the Elmhurst Terrace apartments on Fellows Court.

Police said Gates got out of the car, walked around to the driver's side and pulled out a handgun from his waistband, telling the victim, "You didn't know I had a gun, did you?"

Gates then demanded his fare back and ordered the victim to get his suitcase from the trunk, which the victim did, police said.

Gates walked east on Fellows Court and entered an apartment, police said.

Several hours later, while surveilling the apartment, a detective saw an Uber arrive to pick up what appeared to be a long-haired woman in a bomber jacket and a beanie, prosecutors said.

On Route 83 near Portillo's entrance, the detective stopped the Uber and found Gates wearing a wig, police said. Gates then ran away, crossing six lanes of traffic.

He was later found hiding in a detached garage in the 100 block of South Monterey Street after a search that included a helicopter, drones and K-9 officers, police said.

Police said Gates became aware that officers were looking for him, so he tried to disguise himself as a woman.

"The fact this individual remained in hiding for approximately 10 hours while detectives maintained watch over the search area demonstrates their unwavering commitment to safeguard Elmhurst from dangerous criminal activity," Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean said in the news release.

Gates was charged with a felony count of armed robbery with a firearm. DuPage County Judge Jeffrey MacKay granted prosecutors' request to keep Gates jailed until trial.