Glen Ellyn Police: Kidnapping of Wheaton College Student was ‘Random Criminal Act’

GLEN ELLYN, IL - Glen Ellyn police are assuring the public the kidnapping of a 21-year-old Wheaton College student last week outside a Starbucks in Glen Ellyn was a “random criminal target” and “neither the victim or the area were specifically targeted.”

“However, Glen Ellyn Police warn community members to always remain aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, no community is immune from random criminal acts,” according to an update from police in the village’s weekly e-mail newsletter.

In light of the Aug. 26 kidnapping, police are reminding residents to be aware of their surroundings “in an effort to guard against these crimes” and to call 9-1-1- if they see any suspicious activity.

The student was taken as he left a Starbucks near the intersection of Forest and Cottage avenues by three men -- one who was armed with a handgun. Two men rushed him, told him they'd shoot him, and forced him into a SUV, police said.

The offenders drove the victim to several ATM's and withdrew funds from his accounts before releasing him in Chicago. A 17-year-old Elgin boy and Abeet Ramos, 18, of South Elgin, have been charged in connection with the kidnapping and robbery.

>> Second Teen Charged in Kidnapping of Wheaton College Student

A third man, Jeremy Jones of Chicago,is still on the loose and police are asking for the public’s help to track him down, according to the Daily Herald. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to his arrest. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 630-469-1187.