Chicago Woman Steals from Lululemon, Leads Police on 116 mph Chase
Alleged Theft Leads to Chase
What we know:
Around 2:30 p.m. last Friday, officers on patrol at the Oak Brook mall saw a Hyundai Elantra with expired Indiana license plates enter the mall parking lot. Officers then saw Cartara Johnson, 21, exit the car, remove an empty or nearly empty Lululemon-branded bag from the trunk, and enter the mall.
Johnson allegedly entered the store, took multiple leggings, and exited without paying for them. About 15 minutes later, she allegedly returned to the Elantra with the same bag, which was then full, and drove away.
Officers followed Johnson in their squad car and saw her swerve her car multiple times before getting onto Interstate 88 eastbound. Police followed her onto the highway and activated their emergency lights and siren to stop her.
Johnson allegedly accelerated away from the officers at a high rate of speed, reaching up to 116 mph before police stopped the pursuit out of safety concerns. The suspect allegedly drove onto the shoulder multiple times and swerved in and out of heavy traffic.
High-Speed Pursuit Continues
Around 2:41 p.m., police tracked the suspect car to the area of Lathrop Avenue and Traube Street in North Riverside. Officers again tried to stop the car and Johnson allegedly tried to escape and drove onto a residential lawn.
She was later found by Stickney police near Central Avenue and Interstate 55 after she crashed into construction equipment and tried to flee on foot, but was taken into custody.
Arrest and Charges
While searching her car, police found the Lululemon bag, which contained more than $300 of leggings with the price tags still attached. DuPage County prosecutors said Johnson was already on probation for retail theft.
Next Steps
Johnson is next due in court on March 3.
FAQs
* What is the alleged offense?
+ Johnson allegedly stole merchandise from a Lululemon store and then led police on a high-speed chase.
* How fast did the suspect drive during the pursuit?
+ The suspect allegedly reached speeds of up to 116 mph.
* Where was the pursuit stopped?
+ The pursuit was stopped due to safety concerns in the area of Lathrop Avenue and Traube Street in North Riverside.
* What were the charges filed against Johnson?
+ Johnson was charged with burglary, retail theft, and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer.
* What is Johnson’s next court appearance?
+ Johnson is next due in court on March 3.
