Two more Venezuelan immigrants who were in Chicago were arrested Friday after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a suburban Macy’s that has been a consistent target of retail theft by immigrants this holiday season, authorities said.
Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, and Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, entered the store together in Oak Brook, Illinois, shortly after 7 p.m. and each carried empty bags, the State Attorney’s Office said. DuPage County.
The two men worked together, with one grabbing items of clothing and stuffing them into a bag while the other acted as a lookout before the duo switched roles, according to prosecutors.
When the suspects allegedly left the store without paying, Oak Brook police intercepted them.
Herrera-Gotopo was taken into custody without incident, but Gavidia-Rojas led officers on a brief foot chase before he was caught, prosecutors said.
Officers found the men with $665 in stolen property.
“The quick arrest of the defendants in this case sends a message that DuPage County authorities are ready for any would-be thief and if you shoplift from any of our retail establishments, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted,” said the DuPage County. said State Attorney Robert Berlin.
Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, was charged with one count of retail theft after allegedly stealing $665 in merchandise from Macy’s in Oak Brook, Illinois. DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, was also charged with one count of retail theft. He allegedly attempted to flee from officers but was quickly captured. DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
Both men, who are from Venezuela and currently reside in Chicago, were charged with one count of retail theft, a felony. The men were freed after a judge denied the state’s motion to detain them before trial on the condition that both be barred from entering Macy’s in Oak Brook.
Oak Brook Macy’s has been a continued target of retail theft, and authorities are warning stores and retailers to remain vigilant during the busy holiday shopping season.
Last month, Oak Brook Deputy Police Chief Reid Foltyniewicz warned citizens about an increase in immigrant criminal activity in Chicago after a series of retail robberies involving Venezuelan immigrants.
The two are accused of stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a suburban Macy’s. AFP via Getty Images
At least nine Venezuelan immigrants have been arrested in separate retail theft incidents at the Oak Brook Macy’s and a Kohl’s store in nearby Elmhurst in recent weeks.
At least 20,000 immigrants have arrived in Chicago since August 2022.
The city continues to scramble to find ways to house them this winter as local residents express concerns about the potential cost and risks to neighborhood safety.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn