Chase ends near Joliet with arrest of 5 who allegedly stole $30,000 of Amazon merchandise

Five people including two Chicago men were charged after a chase that began in far southwest Channahon — when they allegedly stole more than $30,000 in Amazon merchandise — and ended 13 miles away in Joliet late Wednesday.

Raequan T. Williams of Harvey, Shaquetta M. Capps of South Holland, Stephaun L. Dennis of Chicago, Malcom J. Meeks of Chicago and Aqeel S. Bell of South Holland were charged with theft, resisting or obstructing a peace officer and aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude peace officers. Capps was also wanted on a warrant.

Witnesses called officers around 11:10 a.m. reporting roughly six to seven people taking large boxes from an Amazon facility at 23714 Amoco Rd., Channahon police said.

As responding officers got there, a U-Haul van and silver SUV were seen driving away at high speeds leading to a pursuit in the northbound lanes of I-55, police said.

One officer successfully deployed tire deflation devices on the U-Haul and flattened its drivers side tires nearby — just north of U.S. 6, officials said.

But officers continued to follow the U-Haul — nearly 12 miles — until it became inoperable and two suspects in the U-Haul were taken into custody on I-80 near Briggs Street near Joliet.

The silver SUV also continued fleeing from police and when it exited I-80 at Briggs Street, officers again deployed tire deflation devices, successfully disabling the vehicle, authorities said.

The SUV was followed a short distance before four additional suspects fled on foot. Three of the four suspects were taken into custody, while one suspect remains at large.

The suspects who are in custody are between 23 and 31 years old and are scheduled to appear for detention hearing at the Will County courthouse.

Channahon police continue to investigate.