9 Charged After Cop Chase, Theft At Dick's Sporting Goods

LOMBARD, IL — Nine people have been charged after a high-speed chase that led police from Dick's Sporting Goods in Lombard after a retail theft incident Wednesday. An unidentified juvenile was charged, along with Antwana Washington, 33, of Chicago, James Hodge, 25, of South Holland, Travis Jackson, 25, of Chicago, Karizma Lawrence, 18, of Calumet City, Tiana Smith, 18, of Chicago, Stephanie Mitchell, 18, of Chicago, Tia Jennings, 18, of Chicago and Tashayn Ross, 19, of Chicago.

Police were called to the Dick's Sporting Goods at 810 E. Butterfield Rd. at approximately 9:39 p.m. for a report of a suspected retail theft. When police arrived, the defendants allegedly began taking the stolen items off of their person and throwing them in the parking lot. Washington had reportedly remained in her vehicle and then fled with three other defendants, causing a high-speed chase to ensue.

The other defendants were arrested at the scene, police say.

Police pursued Washington's vehicle westbound on Butterfield, exceeding 75 mph in a 35 mph zone on Roosevelt Rd. The car was eventually disabled with the help of stop sticks and the remaining defendants were taken into custody.

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "The allegations against these nine individuals are outrageous. It is also alleged that Ms. Washington drove her vehicle more than double the speed limit in an attempt to not get caught and in doing so put innocent people in danger. These types of brazen behavior will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force of the law."

The defendants each face felony charges of burglary and retail theft. Washington faces a felony count of aggravated fleeing and eluding.

The defendants are set to appear in court before Judge Liam Brennan on Jan. 16.

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