Florida Man Arrested After Burglary & Pursuit In Hobart Ending In Chicago Monday
Around 2 AM, Monday, (10/30/2023), Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers were advised that Hobart police were in pursuit of a U-Haul van that fled from the scene of burglary reported at Sunbelt Rentals at 1851 Northwind Parkway in Hobart, according to Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr.
A Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officer observed the van make an abrupt U-turn after exiting I-80/94 at Grant Street and continue fleeing northbound. The vehicle then reentered I-80/94 westbound. Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers assisted Hobart Police in pursuing the van as it headed toward Illinois.
At the state line, Hobart Police discontinued their pursuit. Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers maintained sight of the van and eventually observed it exit the Dan Ryan Expressway at 71st Street and come to a stop near 71st and South Perry Street In Chicago, Martinez said.
The driver fled from the area on foot. Officers observed the passenger jump a fence near 70th and Wentworth. Officers pursued him on foot and he was later placed into custody.
The passenger is identified as a 31-year-old male from Florida. Illinois State Police transported him to a jail in Illinois. The driver remains at large.
Officers retrieved a bundle of almost $10,000 in U.S. currency from a book bag the passenger was wearing. Officers also confiscated loose cash from the passenger’s shirt pocket. Approximately $75,000 in stolen tools and equipment were recovered from inside the U-Haul, Martinez said. The vehicle was transported to the Hobart Police Department.
“I commend all of the officers who were involved in this case for their efforts to pursue this vehicle and make an arrest safely and quickly. Special thanks to Lake County Sheriff’s Department police officers, the Hobart Police Department and Illinois State Police for their cooperation and professionalism,” Martinez said.
