21/08/2021
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE MAKE ARREST FOR
ARMED ROBBERY AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE
Downers Grove, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 15 Investigations arrested and charged Kevin D. Bland Jr., 22-year-old male of Chicago, IL, and Benny N. Smith, 27-year-old male of DeKalb, IL, with one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony).
On Aug. 18, 2021, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) District 15 Troopers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the eastbound Interstate 88 DeKalb Oasis, 7-Eleven Mobil gas station (2700 Crego Road, DeKalb, Illinois). Prior to the arrival of ISP District 15 Troopers, the suspects, later identified as Bland and Smith fled the scene in a 2003 White Dodge Caravan. A short time after the incident, an ISP Trooper located the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound near North Aurora on Interstate 88 and attempted to stop the vehicle. The vehicle did not stop and was pursued on Interstate 88 eastbound until the vehicle slowed and drove into a ditch near milepost 124.25 in Naperville, Illinois, where Bland and Smith exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Multiple police agencies responded to the area to assist and a perimeter was established. Bland and Smith were both located and taken into custody in Warrenville, Illinois.
On Aug. 18, 2021, the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one count of Armed Robbery (Class X Felony) and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony) against Bland and Smith. Bland and Smith were arrested and transported to the DeKalb County Jail where they were held pending a bond court hearing. On Aug. 19, 2021, Bland and Smith appeared at DeKalb County bond court where bond was set at $150,000/10% to apply for Bland and $75,000/10% to apply for Smith.
The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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