A woman from Chicago reportedly engaged in a high-speed pursuit, reaching speeds of 116 mph, after stealing merchandise from a Lululemon store in Oak Brook, a suburb in Illinois. This incident was disclosed by local prosecutors.
A 21-year-old woman named Cartara Johnson has been apprehended and is facing charges of burglary, retail theft, and aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer. The incident was brought to the attention of the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Alleged theft leads to chase
What we know: At approximately 2:30 p.m. last Friday, officers patrolling at the Oak Brook mall noticed a Hyundai Elantra entering the parking lot with expired Indiana license plates.
Officers witnessed Johnson stepping out of the vehicle and retrieving a Lululemon-branded bag, which appeared to be either empty or nearly empty, from the trunk. Subsequently, he proceeded to enter the mall.
Johnson reportedly walked into the store and allegedly took several pairs of leggings without paying for them.
Approximately 15 minutes later, she reportedly came back to the Elantra with the identical bag, which was now filled, and drove off.
Officers observed Johnson as she swerved her car multiple times before entering Interstate 88 eastbound. In response, the police pursued her onto the highway and promptly activated their emergency lights and siren in an attempt to bring her to a halt.
Johnson reportedly accelerated away from the officers at a high speed, reaching up to 116 mph before the police decided to stop pursuing her due to safety concerns. Throughout the pursuit, the suspect frequently drove onto the shoulder and weaved in and out of heavy traffic.
At approximately 2:41 p.m., the police located the suspect vehicle in the vicinity of Lathrop Avenue and Traube Street in North Riverside.
The officers made another attempt to halt the vehicle, but Johnson allegedly made a desperate escape, driving onto a residential lawn.
The Stickney police discovered her whereabouts near Central Avenue and Interstate 55 after she collided with construction equipment and attempted to escape on foot. Eventually, she was apprehended by the authorities.
During the search of her car, the police discovered a Lululemon bag that held over $300 worth of leggings, still adorned with their price tags.
According to DuPage County prosecutors, Johnson was already on probation for retail theft.
What’s coming up next: Johnson’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 3rd.