A late-night armed robbery in Oswego turned into a rolling gun battle and crash near Interstate 88 early Saturday, according to police, ending with one DeKalb man in custody and a second suspect still on the loose.
Authorities say 22-year-old Timothy J. Rodgers of DeKalb is accused of robbing a man at gunpoint, then fleeing in a vehicle before a chase and exchange of gunfire led to a crash. Rodgers is now facing multiple felony charges. Police emphasized there was no ongoing threat to the public after the wreck.
Police: Shots fired at Oswego home
Officers were dispatched around 3:24 a.m. to the 200 block of Concord Drive South for reports of shots fired, according to a news release from the Oswego Police Department via Shaw Local. During their initial investigation, police learned that a driver involved in a crash in Aurora had reported being robbed at gunpoint in Oswego shortly before that collision.
Chase, exchange of gunfire, and crash
Oswego police say the robbery victim went back to his residence, retrieved a firearm and then pursued the suspect vehicle. The victim told officers he fired multiple shots at the suspect during the chase, before both vehicles crashed on northbound Orchard Road near Interstate 88, according to Country Herald.
After the crash, two people reportedly ran from the suspect vehicle. Kane County sheriff's deputies later located 22-year-old Rodgers and turned him over to Oswego police. Investigators say they are still working to identify and find the second person who fled.
Charges and legal stakes
Rodgers has been charged with armed robbery, armed violence and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He is being held at the Kendall County Jail pending a pre-trial hearing, officials said in a news release via Shaw Local.
Under Illinois law, armed violence committed with a firearm can be charged as a Class X felony, which is among the most serious categories of offenses with significantly enhanced sentencing ranges, according to the Illinois Compiled Statutes.
How to help investigators
Oswego police are asking anyone with information about the armed robbery, the chase or the outstanding suspect to call 630-551-7300, per the Village of Oswego. Tipsters who prefer to stay anonymous can contact Kendall County Crime Stoppers at 630-553-5999, according to the Illinois State Crime Stoppers directory.
Local outlets note that Crime Stoppers tips that lead to arrests may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000, a detail echoed in recent notices from Patch.
