Crime & Law
6 Charged in Alleged Smash-and-Grab Burglary at Michigan Avenue Rolex Store
Leighton Criminal Court Building (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
Six people are facing felony charges following their arrest in connection with the alleged smash-and-grab burglary of more than $170,000 worth of watches from a Michigan Avenue Rolex store last week.
Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke’s office announced the charges against the six adults, who were arrested Friday after allegedly leading authorities on a chase from the store down Lake Shore Drive and the Dan Ryan Expressway before they ultimately crashed.
“Organized retail thieves need to understand we take these crimes extremely seriously and will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” Burke said in a statement. “These are far from victimless crimes, and I applaud the Chicago Police Department for their swift work bringing these offenders to justice.”
The six people arrested — Victory Banks, 33, Will Brown, 21, Aldonte Goodman, 22, Anthony Hampton, 24, Dalvin Johnson, 31 and Armon Williams, 18 — were each charged with theft by unauthorized control of property exceeding $100,000 and $500,000, burglary and criminal damage to property.
They appeared in court Sunday where a judge ordered they be detained in the Cook County Jail pending trial.
According to prosecutors, the defendants drove to the Rolex store in the 700 block of North Michigan Avenue at around 2:30 p.m. Friday where some of the group used hammers to smash large holes in the store’s windows.
They then allegedly grabbed watches while a store patron and employees took shelter in a security room, making off with five watches, valued at approximately $170,500.
The group then allegedly fled in their vehicle, driving south on Lake Shore Drive and onto the Dan Ryan as they were pursued by Chicago police officers in a helicopter and on the ground.
According to prosecutors, the group exited at 51st Street and crashed into a parked car. They were each arrested after allegedly attempting to flee on foot and police recovered four of the five watches.
