79 Computers Stolen In Cargo Theft At CDW Distribution Center

VERNON HILLS, IL — A Chicago man has been charged after authorities say he was involved in a cargo theft at a suburban distribution center that left a truck driver battered and more than $100,000 worth of computers stolen.

According to the Vernon Hills Police Department, the theft occurred early Thursday at the CDW Distribution Center.

A group of masked suspects broke into a sealed trailer on the property and stole numerous desktop computers, police said. During the theft, a truck driver who attempted to intervene, was beaten and threatened with a gun by members of the group.

Police said the firearm was only implied, and it is unclear whether any of the suspects were actually armed.

Authorities allege that Patrick Mitchell, 40, of Chicago, drove a gray Chrysler Pacifica van used in the theft. Police said the van fled from officers before crashing in the 5400 block of South Wells Street while attempting to get away from police officers, according to a news release from the Vernon Hills Police Department.

Officers from the Glencoe Public Safety Department and Illinois State Police were also involved in the pursuit before the van crashed in the 5400 block of South Wells Street in Chicago, according to the news release.

Mitchell was taken into custody at the crash scene, police said, though a passenger in the vehicle was able to flee and has not yet been located.

Authorities recovered 79 desktop computers from the van — nearly the entire proceeds of the theft — with the total value of the stolen goods exceeding $100,000, police said.

Mitchell has been charged with felony counts of theft and burglary. Investigators believe at least six additional suspects and two vehicles connected to the theft remain at large.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Vernon Hills Police Department Investigations Division at 847-362-4449 or email pdtips@vhills.org.