Man With Tot Leads Hinsdale Cops On Chase: Prosecutors

HINSDALE, IL – A Chicago man with a small child stole liquor and other items from a Hinsdale store and then led police officers on a chase, authorities said Wednesday.

David Freeman, 31, was arrested Monday. The crimes occurred during the afternoon of July 19 at Walgreens, 15 Grant Square, police said.

While holding a 3- or 4-year-old child, Freeman stole $1,000 worth of merchandise, including alcohol, baby food and medications, according to a news release from DuPage County prosecutors.

Police were called. They chased Freeman, who was driving a Chevrolet Astro van, prosecutors said.

During the pursuit, Freeman ran stop signs and struck two Hinsdale squad cars, police said. Officers ended the pursuit because of safety concerns.

An investigation led police to Freeman, prosecutors said. On Oct. 11, a DuPage County judge issued a warrant for Freeman's arrest.

On Tuesday, another judge ordered Freeman to remain jailed under trial.

Freeman was charged with the felonies of burglary, retail theft, and aggravated fleeing and eluding. He also faces several misdemeanor counts, such as endangering the life or health of a child.

"This most recent case of fleeing from the police is extremely disturbing as it allegedly occurred in the middle of the afternoon in a busy strip mall," DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a news release. "To make matters worse, it is alleged that Mr. Freeman was carrying a young child in his arms as he stole more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Walgreens and then proceeded to strike two Hinsdale squad cars as he fled away from police. Thankfully, no innocent motorists or pedestrians were injured or killed."