DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean announced Friday, June 21, 2024 that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Morton Grove man accused of robbing a man at gunpoint and taking his vehicle in downtown Elmhurst. Isaiah Roach, 19, of the 5900 block of Warren Court appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Armed Robbery, (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Theft (Class 2 Felony).
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on June 19, 2024, Roach allegedly met his victim in Elmhurst after responding to an ad the victim had placed on Facebook Marketplace to sell his car for $14,000. After an outdoor meeting at the lobby of the Elmhurst Police station, the victim and Roach allegedly decided to conduct the transaction inside a nearby grocery store where there were security cameras. Once inside the grocery store, Roach allegedly reached into his waistband, displayed a black handgun, and told the victim, “Give me the keys if you ever want to see your family again.” The victim threw his key fob at Roach and ran to the customer service desk and called 911. Allegedly, Roach drove off in the victim’s car, which the victim had parked in the police station parking lot. Evanston police officers subsequently located the victim’s car at a gas station in Evanston, where they observed Roach pumping gas. Allegedly, Roach fled on foot, but Evanston police were able to take him into custody. Roach had the victim’s key fob in his pocket when he was arrested, according to the Evanston Police Department.
During the crime in Elmhurst in DuPage County, Roach was on pretrial release for a previous Vehicular Hijacking in Cook County.
“It is alleged that while on pretrial release for a forcible felony, Mr. Roach thumbed his nose at the criminal justice system and committed another violent crime. In DuPage County we have zero tolerance for the type of armed violence as alleged in this case and we will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for their outstanding work investigating this case and I thank the Evanston Police Department for their assistance in apprehending the alleged offender. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Michael Pingaj, Adam Frahm and Alexandria Levan for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Roach.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“Citizens participating in online exchanges should heed the warning signs of a dangerous deal. Any buyer or seller who is unwilling to come into a police station for a valuable transaction and instead asks to meet elsewhere late at night should be met with suspicion. Don’t agree to a dangerous situation. I also thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their legal guidance and support during this investigation.”
— Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean
Roach’s next court appearance is scheduled for July 15, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.
“Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office
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