OAK BROOK, Ill. — Two Venezuelan migrants, Abel Barrios-Estava (20) and Rafael Mata-Torres (25), who reside in Chicago, have been brought up on charges for allegedly pilfering over $1,700 in merchandise from the Oak Brook Macy’s.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Mark King confirmed the charges Tuesday. According to police reports the incident, which transpired on October 23, reportedly saw Oak Brook officers descending on Macy’s after reports of a theft in progress.
Barrios-Estava allegedly attempted to abscond with six items, leading to a brief police chase, while Mata-Torres reportedly tried to exit with thirteen items but was detained in-store. Amidst rising nationwide retail thefts, which surged to $112 billion in 2022, this event underscores a growing retail challenge.
The Chicago-based migrants will appear in court on November 20. Pending their trial, both will don electronic monitoring devices and are restricted from entering any Macy’s location.
