Introduction to the Incident
Six men face felony charges after they allegedly used hammers to smash display windows at a Michigan Avenue Rolex boutique and steal more than $170,000 worth of watches, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office announced Sunday.
Details of the Robbery
The robbery happened Friday afternoon around 2:30 p.m. when a group of four men wearing ski masks and carrying axes smashed the front windows of the Rolex boutique, 701 N. Michigan Ave., according to Chicago police. They took watches and fled on foot before getting into a red Nissan SUV and speeding off. Police scanner audio said shots were fired at police.
Arrest and Charges
After a police chase on the Dan Ryan Expressway, the six men were taken into custody near 69th and Peoria on the South Side, and some of the watches were recovered. The men — Victory Banks, 33; Will Brown, 21; Aldonte Goodman, 22; Anthony Hampton, 24; Dalvin Johnson, 31; and Armon Williams, 18 — were charged with theft by unauthorized control of property exceeding $100,000 and criminal damage to property between $500 and $10,000.
Prosecution’s Statement
Prosecutors say that as the suspects grabbed watches outside a store patron and employees took shelter in a security room and watched the heist unfold on surveillance cameras. Five watches, valued at a total of $170,500, were taken.
Response from Authorities
Six men have been charged in the theft Friday of five watches worth $170,500 from window displays at the North Michigan Avenue Rolex boutique. The men were all ordered detained at a court hearing Sunday, according to State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. “Organized retail thieves need to understand we take these crimes extremely seriously and will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” O’Neill Burke said in a press release announcing the charges. “These are far from victimless crimes, and I applaud the Chicago Police Department for their swift work bringing these offenders to justice.”
Conclusion
The incident highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement and judicial systems view organized retail theft. The swift action taken by the Chicago Police Department and the subsequent charges brought against the suspects demonstrate a commitment to protecting businesses and holding offenders accountable. As the case progresses, it will be important to continue monitoring the situation and understanding the implications of such crimes on the community and local businesses.
FAQs
- Q: What was the nature of the crime committed at the Michigan Avenue Rolex boutique?
A: The crime was a smash-and-grab robbery where the perpetrators used hammers to break display windows and steal high-value watches. - Q: How many individuals were charged in connection with the robbery?
A: Six men were charged with theft by unauthorized control of property exceeding $100,000 and criminal damage to property. - Q: What was the total value of the stolen items?
A: The total value of the stolen watches was $170,500. - Q: How did the authorities respond to the incident?
A: The Chicago Police Department swiftly responded to the crime, engaging in a police chase that resulted in the arrest of the suspects. The State’s Attorney’s office subsequently charged the individuals and ordered them detained.
