Chicago
AI Assisted Icon
Published on November 06, 2024
Chicago Man Held for Trial After Armed Robbery at Wheaton AutoZoneSource: DuPage County

Details are emerging about a brazen theft and subsequent firearm threat at a Wheaton AutoZone, with DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Wheaton Chief of Police Princeton Youker announcing that a Chicago man will be held until his trial, as reported on November 5th by the DuPage County official news. Elliot Thomas, a 38-year-old resident of West Monroe Street, stands accused of armed robbery after an incident that sent local law enforcement quickly into action.

On the afternoon of November 4th, an alerted AutoZone employee challenged Thomas as he allegedly attempted to leave the store with unpaid merchandise, prompting a standoff where "you don't wanna know what I have in here," Thomas reportedly warned, as recounted by State’s Attorney Berlin; after unzipping his bag to reveal a loaded pistol, he fled in a Chevy Tahoe but was promptly located and detained by Glen Ellyn police, discovering the weapon and the stolen goods in the process.

Commendations were given to the coordinated efforts of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn Police Departments, which included State’s Attorney Berlin acknowledging the "heads-up work in locating the defendant within minutes of the alleged robbery" and Wheaton Chief Youker citing the effective use of "technology and teamwork" in the swift apprehension of the suspect.

Thomas, who now faces a sentencing range of twenty-one to forty-five years if convicted, awaits his December 2nd arraignment; however, it is worth noting that these current charges are but allegations and no concrete proof of guilt – as such, Thomas is entitled to a trial by his peers in front of Judge Mia McPherson, where the burden lies with the government to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.