Introduction to the $170K Rolex Heist
Six people were charged with several crimes after a $170,000 smash-and-grab at the Rolex Boutique store along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, authorities said.
The Heist
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, the suspects entered the store at 701 N. Michigan Ave., and used hammers to break open display cases and steal items, according to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Details of the Crime
The thieves allegedly grabbed watches while a customer and employees took shelter in a security room and watched the heist unfold on surveillance cameras, the state’s attorney’s office said. Five watches worth a total of $170,500 were stolen during the heist.
Pursuit and Arrest
Footage captured by an NBC Chicago photographer following the heist showed several shattered windows and pieces of glass scattered on the sidewalk. According to prosecutors, the suspects returned to their vehicle following the burglary and led law enforcement on a pursuit along DuSable Lake Shore Drive before merging onto Interstate 94. A helicopter tracked the suspects and relayed the location to officers, who found their vehicle as it exited the interstate near 51st Street. The vehicle crashed into a parked car, at which point the suspects ran and were captured by police.
Recovery of Stolen Items
Four of the five stolen watches were recovered by law enforcement, authorities said.
Charges and Suspects
The following suspects were charged with theft by unauthorized control of property exceeding $100,000 and $500,000, burglary and criminal damage to property between $500 and $10,000.
- Victory Banks, 33
- Will Brown, 21
- Aldonte Goodman, 22
- Anthony Hampton, 24
- Dalvin Johnson, 31
- Armon Williams, 18
Conclusion
The $170,000 Rolex heist in Chicago resulted in the arrest of six individuals and the recovery of most of the stolen watches. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of smash-and-grab crimes in major cities and the importance of swift law enforcement response.
FAQs
Q: What was the value of the stolen watches?
A: The total value of the stolen watches was $170,500.
Q: How many watches were recovered by law enforcement?
A: Four out of the five stolen watches were recovered.
Q: What charges were the suspects facing?
A: The suspects were charged with theft by unauthorized control of property exceeding $100,000 and $500,000, burglary, and criminal damage to property between $500 and $10,000.
Q: How did the suspects attempt to escape?
A: The suspects led law enforcement on a pursuit along DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Interstate 94 before crashing into a parked car and attempting to flee on foot.
