Chicago Juveniles Charged with Stealing Car from Villa Park Auto Repair Shop

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Villa Park Chief of Police Michael Rivas announced today that Judge Anthony Coco has ordered that two Chicago juveniles accused of stealing a vehicle from a Villa Park auto repair shop will be released to the custody of their parent or guardian. The juveniles have each been charged with one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony).

On December 3, 2022, a Patrol Officer with the Villa Park Police Department observed a crashed vehicle in the parking lot of Anthony’s Collision Center, Inc. on North Avenue. As the officer investigated the crashed vehicle, the Chicago Police Department called out to the Villa Park Police Department about a 2021 Kia SUV allegedly stolen out of Villa Park that had just been stopped on Chicago’s westside. It is alleged that while fleeing a Bellwood Police Officer, the juveniles and other unidentified individuals traveled together in a stolen vehicle to Anthony’s Collision Center and that once there, all of the occupants exited the stolen vehicle. It is further alleged that one of the individuals broke into another vehicle on the lot and crashed that vehicle into the vehicle in which the suspects had arrived. It is further alleged that all the individuals then entered the 2021 KIA SUV and fled the scene. It is alleged that the vehicle was stopped on Chicago’s westside and that the juveniles were detained following a brief foot pursuit.

“The allegations that these juveniles traveled to DuPage County, entered a vehicle from an auto repair shop, crashed that vehicle at the scene and then stole another vehicle show a complete disregard for the property of others as well as public safety and they will be held accountable,” Berlin said. “I thank the Villa Park Police Department for their work on this case as well as the Chicago Police Department for their efforts in detaining the juvenile suspects. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Jennifer Lindt, Tom Elsner and Michael McBride for their efforts in preparing a strong case against these juveniles.”

“Police Departments in DuPage County will remain vigilant to protect the lives and property of all who live and work here,” Rivas said. “We are not shocked by the ages of the alleged juveniles charged in this case. Stolen vehicles typically lead to more serious violent crime. We will do all we can to have a positive resolution to this serious crime. We would like to thank DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his Office as well as the Chicago Police Department for their actions and assistance in this case. We would especially like to thank the actions of the Villa Park midnight shift officers and detectives for their initial, and follow up, investigation of this incident.”

One juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 19, 2022, while the other juvenile’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 9, 2023.

An investigation into the matter continues. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Villa Park Investigations Division (630) 592-6110.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.