Two more Venezuelan immigrants living in Chicago were arrested Friday after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a suburban Macy’s that has been a constant target of immigrant retail theft 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 an empty bag, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office said.
The two men worked together, with one taking the clothes and putting them in a bag while the other acted as a lookout before the two switched roles, according to prosecutors.
When the suspect allegedly left the store without paying, Oak Brook police intercepted the pair.
Herrera-Gotopo was taken into custody without incident but Gavidia-Rojas led officers on a short chase before he was caught, prosecutors said.
Officers found the man with $665 in stolen goods.
“The defendant’s swift action in this case sends a message that law enforcement in DuPage County is ready for any shoplifter and if you steal from any of our retail establishments, you will be arrested, charged and prosecuted,” DuPage County Attorney Robert Berlin said.
Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, was charged with one count of retail theft after allegedly stealing $665 in merchandise from a Macy’s in Oak Brook, Illinois. The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, was also charged with one count of retail theft. He allegedly tried to run from officers but was quickly apprehended. 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. They were released after a judge denied the state’s motion to hold them before trial on the condition that the two be barred from entering the Macy’s in Oak Brook.
The Oak Brook Macy’s has been a constant target of retail theft, with authorities warning local residents and retailers to remain vigilant during the busy holiday shopping season.
Last month, Oak Brook Deputy Police Chief Reid Foltyniewicz warned citizens about increased criminal activity by immigrants from Chicago after a series of retail thefts 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 now been arrested in separate retail theft incidents at an Oak Brook Macy’s and a Kohl’s store in nearby Elmhurst in recent weeks.
At least 20,000 immigrants have entered Chicago since August 2022.
The city continues to struggle to find a way to house them this winter as local residents voice concerns about the potential cost and risk to neighborhood safety.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
