2 theft suspects arrested in Willow Springs after Oak Brook police pursuit of high-speed mini-van

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team and Maher Kawash WLS logo
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
2 suspects arrested in southwest suburbs after high-speed pursuit
Two theft suspects were arrested in Willow Springs Wednesday after an Oak Brook police pursuit of a mini-van ended near an elementary school.

WILLOW SPRINGS, Ill. (WLS) -- Two people have been arrested in Willow Springs after a high-speed pursuit on Wednesday.

A search happened right next to an elementary school. Officers were seen walking on the property with guns shortly after dismissal.

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Oak Brook police were searching a wooded area near 80th Place and Howard Avenue in Willow Springs, which is near Pleasantdale Elementary School.

"There is a heavy police presence along Willow Springs Road and German Church road. Please avoid the area if possible," an alert from the Village of Willow Springs read. "There was a theft in a neighboring town that resulted in a vehicle pursuit that ended in our area. There is no immediate threat to the public."

Police could be seen searching the woods near the area earlier in the afternoon Wednesday, searching for one of the suspects after only one person was in custody

The second offender was arrested in the woods sometime after 5 p.m. ABC7 was told.

Oak Brook police said they pursued a tan Chrysler mini-van with fake plates wanted for possible theft. The pursuit went onto I-88, I-355 and I-55, with the mini-van reaching speeds up to 100 miles per hour, police said.

Two people exited the vehicle during the pursuit near 80th Place and Howard Avenue in Willow Springs, police said.

Neighbors told ABC7 it was a hectic few hours around an area that's often quiet.

Police have cleared out the scene and there is no further threat to the public.

No further information was immediately available.