Elmhurst On High Alert After Reports Of Looters Going To Suburbs

ELMHURST, IL — An Elmhurst police officer was stationed early Sunday evening in the parking lot outside the shopping center that includes Whole Foods, Kohl's and other stores, which were closed early. Villa Park's Walmart, just across the road from Elmhurst, was also shut down, with police cars blocking the entrance. The retailers closed in the afternoon after reports from officials that groups of people wanting to cause damage may be headed to the suburbs.

Such reports were related to looting nationwide that happened after demonstrations in support of George Floyd, the man who died during an encounter with Minneapolis police.

Shortly after 4 p.m., the Elmhurst city government issued its first alert about the potential of people coming to the suburbs to cause damage. About 7 p.m., the city said it was continuing to monitor the situation closely, had increased its patrol units and remained on high alert. The city said it had advised many businesses to close early.

But the community appeared calm early Sunday evening. In downtown Elmhurst, outdoor dining continued to take place, including at 100 South Chop House. The two Jewel-Osco grocery stores in Elmhurst were still open. But in nearby Oak Brook, Oakbrook Center was closed, with police and sheriff's deputies stationed all over the complex.

As for protests, a lone man at York Street and North Avenue held a sign reading "George Floyd." Edward Wawrzyniak said he had been out there three hours and had been receiving positive feedback from 80 percent of motorists. The other side of his sign said "Jail Trump," a message that he said was almost as popular.

Wawrzyniak said he was a lifelong resident of Elmhurst and wanted to spread a message in support of Floyd.

"I'm really heartbroken about it," he said.

As for the looting and riots in other places, Wawrzyniak said, "Violence will get covered first. People who are peacefully demonstrating aren't getting enough attention."