ELMHURST, IL – Three individuals accused of leading police on a high-speed chase after allegedly stealing merchandise from the Oak Brook T.J. Maxx located in the Shops at Oak Brook appeared at a bond hearing last week.
Russell Miller, 24, Zhane Ball, 28, and Xavier Miller, 28, each had bond set by Judge Joshua Dieden at $350,000, $200,000, and $150,000 respectively, with 10% to apply. All three defendants are facing multiple charges, including burglary, retail theft, fleeing and eluding a police officer, and five counts of Misdemeanor Endangering the Health or Life of a Child.
The incident took place last Friday when officers from the Oak Brook Police Department allegedly observed a GMC Acadia, driven by Russell Miller, parked in the aisle of a parking lot at the Shops at Oak Brook. It is alleged that Xavier Miller and Ball exited the T.J. Maxx store, placed merchandise in the Acadia, and then entered the vehicle, which quickly fled from the parking lot heading eastbound on 22nd Street. Officers followed and initiated a traffic stop, but the Acadia fled again, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit, reaching speeds in excess of 75 mph in a 45-mph zone. The pursuit continued near York High School as students were being released for the day, and the Acadia side-swiped a school bus before crashing into another car.
At the scene of the crash, officers discovered that there were five children in the Acadia, ranging in age from two months to ten years old. Following an investigation, it was alleged that Xavier Miller and Ball had stolen approximately $1,701.87 worth of shoes, socks, and handbags from the T.J. Maxx store.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed concern over the incident, stating, “This most recent case of fleeing from the police is extremely disturbing as it involves five young children in the vehicle as the driver allegedly fled and ultimately crashed his vehicle.” He thanked the Oak Brook Police Department for their efforts in keeping the roadways safe and also acknowledged the assistance of the Elmhurst Police Department and Assistant State’s Attorneys Jessica Sisler and Sara Henley.
Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis echoed Berlin’s sentiments, saying, “Suspects fleeing from the police is an all-too-common occurrence and needs to stop.” He thanked the State’s Attorney’s office for their assistance and emphasized that offenders will be charged and prosecuted for such crimes in DuPage County.
The next court appearance for all three defendants is scheduled for May 8, 2023, for arraignment.
