Two Venezuelan migrants staying in Chicago were arrested on Friday for allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from a suburban Macy’s store in Oak Brook, Illinois. Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, and Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, entered the store together in the evening and were found carrying empty bags, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors stated that the two men worked as a team, with one stealing clothing items and stuffing them into a bag while the other acted as a lookout. When they tried to leave the store without paying, Oak Brook police apprehended them.
Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo was taken into custody without incident, but Johan Gavidia-Rojas attempted to flee and led officers on a brief foot chase before he was caught. The stolen goods, amounting to $665, were recovered from the suspects. Both men, originally from Venezuela and currently residing in Chicago, have been charged with one count of retail theft, a felony.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin emphasized that the swift apprehension of the defendants sends a clear message that law enforcement in the county is prepared to deal with shoplifters. Berlin stated, “If you steal from any of our retail establishments, you will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted.” The judge denied the state’s motion to detain the men pre-trial, but they are now prohibited from entering the Macy’s store in Oak Brook.
This incident is part of a larger trend of retail theft at the Oak Brook Macy’s, which has been a target for such crimes. Authorities have been urging residents and retailers to remain vigilant during the busy holiday shopping season. Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz previously warned the public about an increase in criminal activity involving Venezuelan migrants in the Chicago area. In recent weeks, at least nine Venezuelan migrants have been arrested for separate retail theft incidents at the Oak Brook Macy’s and a nearby Kohl’s store in Elmhurst.
Chicago has seen an influx of approximately 20,000 migrants since August 2022, and the city is currently facing challenges in finding suitable housing for them during the winter months. Local residents have expressed concerns about the potential costs and risks to neighborhood safety.
