Introduction to a Tragic Event
CHICAGO (WGN) – Seven suspects are in custody following a smash-and-grab burglary at the Louis Vuitton store on the Magnificent Mile, but one family’s worst nightmare is just beginning. Late Friday night, Chicago police announced multiple felony charges against the suspects, including murder, burglary, and retail theft.
The Victim: A Loving Father
40-year-old Mark Carlo Arceta of Skokie, an innocent bystander, lost his life when police say his SUV was struck by suspects running from the scene of the crime. Arceta, lovingly known to family and friends as “Caloy,” was on his way to work for his last shift at Northwestern University before beginning paternity leave. Arceta’s partner, Roanne Masangkay, spoke with WGN-TV by phone as she was in her hospital bed preparing to give birth on Friday.
A Family’s Loss
“We’re having a baby right now. He’s supposed to be with us,” said Masangkay. “They took a very loving father, a really good partner, and very good dad.” The victim leaves behind a one-year-old daughter and his newborn son, Mark Dylan. “He was so excited because it’s going to be a boy. He really wants a boy, a son. He was always telling me he wants a son so he can play basketball with him,” said Masangkay.
Remembering the Victim
Arceta’s longtime friends told WGN-TV he was like a brother to them. They called him the “heart of their group” and described him as someone who loved his family, loved playing, watching, and talking about basketball, and a disciplined man who always took his responsibilities at work and home seriously. "He loved the game of basketball. We all used to call him "Air Caloy," you know, because Michael Jordan was one of his all-time idols. That was one person he always used to look up to," said Joyce Tamanio. "He was just very humble. It’s just so hard, for someone who just wants everybody to be happy, everybody to get along, everybody to be at peace."
The Crime Scene
According to police, around 5 a.m. Thursday, a group of suspects crashed a pickup truck into the side of a Louis Vuitton store, located in the 100 block of East Walton Street. Sources close to the investigation say the suspects allegedly stole close to $180,000 worth of merchandise before taking off from the scene in multiple vehicles, leaving the pickup truck behind. As the suspects fled from the area, officers said one of the groups that was allegedly traveling in a Kia Stinger crashed into a Honda CR-V near the intersection of East Ohio Street and Michigan Avenue, just around the corner from the store.
The Fatal Crash
The driver of the CR-V was identified by authorities as Arceta. He suffered severe injuries in the crash and was rushed to Northwestern Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. “He had no reason to expect there would be a vehicle doing in excess of 80 miles an hour, running red lights, that struck his vehicle broadside and tragically killed him,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward). “There was also a weapon recovered in the offender’s vehicle. It was a Glock with an extended magazine and an automatic switch. So, these offenders would have taken other lives if anyone else got in their way.”
Aftermath and Arrests
Tamanio, who has been friends with Arceta for the better part of two decades, said it’s a cruel irony that his life ended in a way completely opposite of how he chose to live. She hopes his story will spark change and said she knows it’s exactly what Arceta would have wanted. "He was a man of peace; he didn’t like any of that violence," said Tamanio. Following the crash, five people who were allegedly inside the Kia were taken into custody. All five were then taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries before sources say they were brought in for questioning.
Charges and Investigation
Shortly after the first crash, officers also responded to a nearby crash in the southbound lanes of DuSable Lake Shore Drive near the Museum Campus, where police said two other suspects believed to be involved in the smash-and-grab were taken into custody. According to police, stolen goods were recovered from both crash scenes. Sources close to the investigation told WGN-TV as officers were bringing one of the suspects into lockup at the 19th District police station, he took off running and was caught several blocks away near North Claremont Avenue and West School Street. Witnesses told WGN-TV the man jumped a fence into one resident’s backyard, tried to open the door to their basement and was spooked by an alarm, and was caught moments later by police.
Suspects and Charges
According to Chicago police, the suspects charged include:
- Dejuan Wingard, 30, of Chicago charged with murder, burglary, theft, and reckless homicide
- Darius Bowdry, 30, of Chicago charged with murder, theft, burglary, a misdemeanor count of resisting or obstructing a peace officer, and three counts of issuance of a warrant
- Keller McMillan, 35, of Chicago charged with murder, burglary, theft, three counts being a fugitive from justice with an out of state warrant, and one count of an issuance of a warrant
- Alton Jackson, 37, of Chicago charged with burglary, theft, and murder
- Anthony Hemphill, 22, of Chicago charged with burglary, theft, and murder
- Harvey Fisher, 26, of Chicago charged with murder, burglary, and theft
- Keith Perkins, 19, of Orland Hills charged with murder, burglary, and theft
All of the suspects are expected to appear in court Saturday for a detention hearing. Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to contact the CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263. A GoFundMe has been set up to help Arceta’s family.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Mark Carlo Arceta, a loving father and partner, has left a community in mourning. His death, a result of a senseless act of violence during a smash-and-grab burglary, underscores the need for stricter measures to prevent such crimes. As the suspects face justice, the family and friends of Arceta will continue to grieve and seek solace in the memories of a man who lived his life with love, humility, and a passion for his family and basketball.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Mark Carlo Arceta?
A: Mark Carlo Arceta was killed when his SUV was struck by suspects fleeing a smash-and-grab burglary at a Louis Vuitton store in Chicago. - Q: How many suspects are in custody?
A: Seven suspects are in custody and have been charged with various crimes, including murder, burglary, and theft. - Q: What was the value of the merchandise stolen from the Louis Vuitton store?
A: The suspects allegedly stole close to $180,000 worth of merchandise. - Q: How can people help Arceta’s family?
A: A GoFundMe has been set up to help Arceta’s family, and anyone with information on the incidents can contact the CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263.
