Man Arrested In Elmhurst Armed Robbery: Cops

ELMHURST, IL – A Morton Grove man was arrested in an armed robbery that took place earlier this week in Elmhurst, authorities said.

Isaiah Roach, 19, was ordered jailed until his trial, police said.

About 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Roach met the victim outside the lobby of the Elmhurst police station, police said. That was after the victim had placed an ad on Facebook Marketplace to sell his car for $14,000.

The victim and Roach then decided to conduct the transaction inside a nearby grocery store where there were security cameras, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

Inside the grocery store, Roach reached inside his waistband, displayed a handgun and told the victim, "Give me your keys if you ever want to see your family again," the release said.

The victim threw his key fob at Roach, ran to the customer service desk and called 911.

Roach then drove off in the victim's car, which was parked at the police station parking lot, prosecutors said.

"It is alleged that while on pretrial release for a forcible felony, Mr. Roach thumbed his nose at the criminal justice system and committed another violent crime," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release.

Police Chief Michael McLean said those taking part in online exchanges should heed warning signs of a dangerous deal.

"Any buyer or seller who is unwilling to come into a police station for a valuable transaction and instead asks to meet elsewhere late at night should be met with suspicion," he said.

Roach was charged with armed robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle and theft, all felonies, police said. He was on pretrial release for a carjacking in Cook County, prosecutors said.