Suspected Serial Burglars Caught In The Act In Niles: Police

NILES, IL —Three Chicago teenagers arrested Thursday afternoon minutes after fleeing the scene of a break-in are suspected of carrying out multiple burglaries across the north and western suburbs, Niles police said. Police were called to the 6800 block of Oakton Court around 12:14 p.m. by a 911 call reporting three people breaking into a house.

The burglars took off running from inside the home when police arrived, according to Cmdr. Robert Tornabene.

Cops caught up to one around Oakton Street and New England Avenue after a short foot chase. The other two were found hiding in the forest preserve south of Oakton and West of Caldwell Avenue with the help of Morton Grove police, Tornabene said. They took off running again but were apprehended by Niles police on the Tam O'Shanter Golf Course near the North Branch of the Chicago River.

Raymond R. Dampier, 19, of the 1500 block of North Maplewood Avenue, and two 17-year-olds who live nearby in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago were all in custody within about 15 minutes of the call, according to Tornabene.

Prosecutors approved one count of felony residential burglary for each of the teenagers. Niles police said they suspected the three to have carried out multiple burglaries in various unspecified northern and western suburbs.

Dampier was released on two burglary cases on a personal recognizance bond on March 30, according to a spokesperson for the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Police said he is due back in court May 19.

Approximate location of the arrest of the final two of three accused home burglars arrested by Niles police on March 29: