Three of four taken into custody released, police recover five bags of stolen goods
Four Chicago men were arrested on felony charges after police interrupted a burglary in progress at Kelsey’s, 51 S. Washington St., at about 3:36 a.m. Tuesday.
Three of suspects had been released by Wednesday afternoon, Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King said, but remaining in custody at the DuPage County Jail is Monroe Shivers, 33, of 50 W. 109th Place, the alleged driver of one of two cars involved in the incident. He was arrested for burglary (Class 2), retail theft (Class 3), theft $10,000 to $100,000 (Class 2) and aggravated fleeing (Class 4).
Shivers has a “significant criminal history” and was on release for a burglary charge at the time of this crime, according to the pre-trial detention order signed by Judge Joshua Dieden and obtained from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“The defendant has shown a persistent, alarming disregard for the law,” Dieden wrote. “The defendant has shown he cannot comply or chooses not to comply with the law and orders of the court. As such, he is not likely to comply with any conditions of release and there are no conditions or combination of conditions that can mitigate the danger he poses.”
The other three suspects from that car – Jeremiah K. Brown, 20, 6522 S. Oakley Ave .; Ronnie M. Hardy, 27, 5004 S. May St .; and Cortney J. Shivers, 32, 503 E. 79th St. – each face charges of burglary (Class 2), retail theft (Class 3), theft $10,000 to $100,000 (Class 2) and resisting arrest (Class A). They were released on the condition of no contact, according to Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King.
“Burglary is a non-detainable offense under the Safety Act, unless the judge determines that they are a flight risk or a threat to public safety,” King said.
Patrol officers responded to a 911 call reporting a suspicious vehicle on Washington Street in the downtown area, according to police. As they arrived on the scene, two vehicles – a Nissan Altima and a gray SUV – fled. After a brief pursuit, squad cars boxed in the Nissan at the intersection off Hinsdale Avenue and Village Place. Three of the four offenders who exited the car and attempted to flee on foot were taken into custody immediately.
“One guy was able to make good on his escape temporarily by running south on Washington and west on First,” King told The Hinsdalean. “Using our partners in mutual aid, we surrounded the business area and put canine dogs searching for the suspect, without success. That suspect later turned up early in the morning and was taken into custody at Second and Lincoln.”
Store video surveillance shows a total of eight offenders, who kicked open the front door, remove merchandise and place it into bags they carried in with them. Tens of thousands of dollars of merchandise, mostly expensive designer handbags, were stolen, King said. Hinsdale police recovered five garbage bags of property from the immobilized vehicle, which was being inventoried Wednesday afternoon.
Village President Greg Hart praised the police department in a press release.
“The dedication and professionalism shown by our Hinsdale police officers in this incident reflect why Hinsdale is consistently recognized as one of the safest communities in Illinois,” Hart stated. “Their quick and decisive response protected our business district and reinforces our commitment to public safety. Criminal activity will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable under the law.”
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin also praised police for their efforts in a press release.
“I commend the Hinsdale Police Department for their truly outstanding work in the identification and apprehension of the defendants in this case,” he said.
King praised the resident who made the 911 call.
“Effective policing occurs in partnership with the community,” he said. “This case was successful due to an alert citizen who reported suspicious activity to our officers.
Kelsey’s sent an email Tuesday to consignors, which was shared with The Hinsdalean, informing them of the burglary and letting them know the shop will be closed until further notice.
“We want to clearly reassure you that if any consigned items were impacted, you will still be paid,” the email reads. “Our team is currently completing a full inventory verification process.”
Kelsey’s was the victim of a similar early morning burglary in May 2023. At that time, seven suspects arrived in two vehicles, used a sledgehammer to shatter the front door and stole $68,000 worth of merchandise in under two minutes.
Police believe the Nissan used Tuesday morning in Hinsdale was also used in a December incident in Barrington. Six suspects stole purses, shoes and jewelry from a luxury resale shop in an early morning heist.
King said police will continue to work the case.
“We’re aggressively pursuing these other arrests,” he said.
The four defendants are scheduled to appear in court Feb. 23.
