K-9 OFFICER FROM ELMHURST POLICE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED WITH TRACKING THE SUSPECTS
WHEATON–On April 8, 2018, at approximately 6:55pm, Wheaton Police Officers responded to the area of 1600 E. Pershing for a residential burglary. A witness observed 3 suspects attempting to break into a house.
The suspects fled to an awaiting Dodge van driven by a fourth suspect. The witness followed the suspects as they fled the area and provided responding officers with information. The suspect vehicle was reported stolen by the Chicago Police Department.
Wheaton Police Officers located the suspect vehicle near Farnham and Naperville and attempted to stop it. A pursuit was initiated when the suspects failed to stop. Wheaton Police Officers utilized Stop Sticks, a tire-deflating device, to disable one of the vehicle’s tires. Officers stopped pursuing as the vehicle drove on the wheel rim. The suspects abandoned the vehicle in the 800 block of N. West Street and fled on foot. A perimeter was established and Reverse 911 was utilized to alert residents to the potential threat. A K-9 officer from Elmhurst Police Department assisted with tracking the suspects to a backyard shed a few blocks away.
All four suspects were taken into custody without incident. Felony charges of possession of stolen vehicle and attempted residential burglary were approved by the DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office against Gerardo Flores (pictured) and 3 juveniles.
Flores was being held at the DuPage County Jail and all 3 juveniles were detained at the Kane County Youth Home.
Notice to Public: The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. Constitutionally, a defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: Wheaton Police Department
