Four Venezuelan migrants are facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing nearly $5,000 worth of sunglasses from the Sunglass Hut in Oak Brook Mall on the afternoon of January 20.
The suspects, identified as Jaidera Rincon-Jaramillo (24), Jonamer Barrios-Moreno (28), Gregory Mendoza-Rivas (25), and David Vivas-Esis (21), are charged with burglary, robbery, and retail theft. Additionally, Rincon-Jaramillo and Barrios-Moreno are facing charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when Oak Brook police officers noticed suspicious activity involving a silver Ford Fusion parked in the mall’s lot. Officers initiated surveillance and were soon alerted by employees at the Sunglass Hut about three individuals—later identified as Mendoza-Rivas, Barrios-Moreno, and Vivas-Esis—who entered the store with an accomplice. The suspects reportedly selected 13 pairs of sunglasses worth $4,960, assaulted an employee by pulling her to the ground, and then fled the store without paying.
The three suspects returned to the waiting Ford Fusion, driven by Rincon-Jaramillo, while the fourth accomplice fled into the mall. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Rincon-Jaramillo allegedly led them on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of 93 mph along Butterfield Road and eventually entering I-290. Police deployed spike strips, forcing the car to exit onto Manheim Road. The chase ended on Harrison Street, where all four suspects were arrested.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin strongly condemned the incident, stating that the defendants not only stole merchandise but also endangered the public with reckless driving during a crowded holiday afternoon. Berlin affirmed that such behavior would not be tolerated in DuPage County.
A judge granted the state’s motion to detain the four men. Their next court date is scheduled for February 18.
