Markell Hightower, 41, of the 1400 block of S. Millard Ave. in Chicago, Illinois, faces serious charges following his arrest by a joint task force, according to a report from the Chicago Police Department. Hightower has been charged with one felony count each of robbery armed with a firearm, possession of over 30 grams of PCP, being an armed habitual criminal, and aggravated battery with the discharge of a firearm. His detention hearing is set for today at the courthouse at 2600 S. California.
The multi-agency effort, which included the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force and the Chicago Police Fugitive Apprehension Unit, took Hightower into custody around 4:54 p.m. on October 9, 2024, this operation culminated in his arrest in the 1400 block of S. Millard Ave, situated in the 10th District, the same neighborhood where the alleged crimes took place. The Chicago Police Department stated that Hightower was positively identified as the individual who shot a 32-year-old female in the lower body on September 28, 2024, and who also, on October 2, 2024, committed an armed robbery at a retail food establishment on W. Roosevelt Rd.
The statement released by the police outlines the sequence of events leading to Hightower's charges. On September 28, he reportedly produced a firearm and shot a woman, and just a few days later, on October 2, he was accused of robbing a store at gunpoint. These incidents are now the subject of the charges he faces and have landed him behind bars pending a court appearance.
Hightower, who has been placed into custody, is now awaiting the judicial process following these incidents, according to the Chicago Police, as they have not released any more details at this juncture; the case is ongoing and his hearing today may determine whether he will be granted bail or if he is to remain detained. No further information has been provided at this stage, but the Chicago Police Department’s report ensures public awareness of the arrest and charges.
