CHICAGO — Five individuals from out of state are now facing felony charges after two coordinated retail thefts struck Oak Brook on August 5, culminating in a high-speed police pursuit through DuPage County.
Coordinated Thefts at Ulta and Macy’s Unfold Hours Apart
Authorities say the first incident unfolded in the afternoon at Ulta Beauty on 22nd Street, where Juan Brochero-Sarabia, 18, of Colombia, and Estefani Munoz-Alvarez, 23, of Venezuela, reportedly knocked over display shelves and stuffed high-end perfumes into bags. The pair made off with over $1,200 in merchandise before fleeing in a getaway vehicle driven by Anthony Ruiz-Fernandez, 20, also from Venezuela, according to DuPage County officials.
Later that evening, two other suspects — Alan Jackson Jr., 34, and Tamika Wilson, 51, both of Alabama — targeted Macy’s at Oakbrook Center. As reported by Country Herald, Jackson allegedly concealed nine items including cologne and shorts valued at $474 in a backpack before walking out without paying.
Police Pursuit Reaches 81 MPH Before Capture
The theft from Macy’s triggered a police response. Officers initiated a traffic stop, but Wilson, behind the wheel of a Chevy Malibu, allegedly refused to pull over. Oak Brook police pursued the vehicle across suburban neighborhoods at speeds reaching 81 miles per hour, according to Shaw Local News. The chase ended after spike strips were deployed near 31st and Harrison in Broadview, where both suspects were arrested.
Oak Brook a Hotspot for Organized Retail Crime
Oak Brook has become a frequent target for organized theft rings due to its accessible location and high-end retailers. Chicago Tribune analysis previously reported that Oak Brook businesses accounted for a third of DuPage County’s retail theft arrests in early 2024.
As WGN-TV reported, Oak Brook police have made 175 theft-related arrests in 2025 alone, many involving sophisticated methods like lined bags, baby strollers, and group coordination.
Police Tech, Community Policing at Work
Oak Brook Police Chief Brian Strockis credited both community outreach and technology for the swift arrests. The village has invested in advanced surveillance systems — including license plate readers and mall-wide camera networks — funded by Illinois Attorney General grants, as detailed by DuPage prosecutors.
“There are much easier places to commit a crime than Oak Brook, proven time and again,” Strockis said, noting the department’s active role in National Night Out community engagement on the day of the arrests.
Felony Charges Filed, One Suspect Held Without Bond
All five suspects face serious charges including Class 2 felony burglary and Class 3 felony retail theft. Wilson also faces aggravated fleeing and eluding charges stemming from the chase. While four defendants were released pre-trial, Wilson remains in custody following a successful motion by prosecutors to deny her bond, as per official DuPage County statements.
Impact on Businesses and Consumers
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin emphasized the broader cost of these crimes. Data from the National Retail Federation shows that retail theft losses nearly hit $45 billion in 2024. These costs are passed down to consumers, employees, and business owners through higher prices and reduced services, Berlin noted.
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