Teens In Stolen Car Fled Cops, Face Felony Charges: Police

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Two Zion teenagers face felony charges after police said they were found in a stolen car Saturday in Highland Park. The pair was pulled over in the 2000 block of Skokie Valley Road around 9:18 a.m. when the plates on the vehicle they were in came back stolen, according to police.

When the officer opened up his door, the vehicle took off. It sped away recklessly, driving on the shoulder, running red lights and violating various other traffic laws, according to police.

Police did not engage in a pursuit at the time, according to Deputy Chief Jon Lowman. However, the car was soon found abandoned east of Route 41 off Half Day Road and its two occupants were found on foot nearby, he said.

Marcus Hampton, 19, of the 2400 block of Elizabeth Avenue, was allegedly behind the wheel of the stolen car. He and his 18-year-old passenger, Thawshawn Robinson, of the 2200 block of Eshcol Avenue, were both charged with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle, according to police and court records.

Hampton was also charged with aggravated fleeing police, a felony, driving without ever having been issued a license and speeding between 26 and 34 mph above the speed limit.

Both men are being held at the Lake County Jail in lieu of 10 percent of $20,000 bonds ahead of March 21 court appearances, according to the Lake County sheriff's office.