An 18-year-old Bartlett woman and four juvenile suspects have been charged with stealing about $4,400 in merchandise from a Naperville vape store, officials said.
Kelis Kirkland, of the 100 block of Cedarfield Drive, and four teens ranging in age from 14 to 17 are accused of holding up the Smoke Area Vape Shop at 1570 W. Ogden Ave. about 8 p.m. Wednesday, a news release from the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and Naperville Police Department said.
The group allegedly entered the store, jumped over the counter and filled three bags with with goods, the report said. When a store clerk attempted to stop them, one of the juveniles threw a bottle of vape syrup at his chest.
The suspects fled in a vehicle driven by Kirkland, which was stopped about five minutes later by Naperville police near River Road and West Jefferson Avenue. The officers recovered three backpacks containing vape items allegedly stolen from the shop, the report said.
Kirkland was charged with one count of robbery and her four co-defendants face one count each of robbery, burglary and retail theft.
A prosecution request that Kirkland be held in the DuPage County jail pending her case’s outcome was rejected by Judge Joshua Dieden, the release said. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 29.
Three of the four juveniles will be detained pending their next court appearances, which are set for Jan. 16. The fourth was released to the custody of his family on home detention and will next be in court Feb. 22.
“The allegations that Ms. Kirkland and four juveniles drove to Naperville and violently robbed approximately $4,400 worth of merchandise from a small business are extremely alarming,” State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.
“The quick apprehension of the suspects in this case is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the Naperville Police Department and should serve as a reminder to anyone thinking of committing a crime in DuPage County that if you do, you will arrested, charged and prosecuted.”
