Cook County man on bail for carjacking accused of armed robbery in Elmhurst — Bob Berlin

“IT IS ALLEGED THAT DURING HIS PRE-TRIAL RELEASE FOR A FORCED OFFENSE, Mr. Roach thumbed his nose at the criminal justice system and committed another violent crime,” Berlin said. “IN DUPAGE COUNTY, WE HAVE ZERO TOLERANCE FOR THE TYPE OF GUN VIOLENCE ALLEGED IN THIS CASE AND WE ARE PURSUING THIS CASE TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.”

ELMHURST – DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Police Chief Michael McLean announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny the pretrial release of a Morton Grove man accused of robbing a man at gunpoint and taking his vehicle in downtown Elmhurst. Isaiah Roach, 19 (dob 9/7/2004) of the 5900 block of Warren Court appeared in Magistrate Court this morning, charged with one count of Armed Robbery (Class count of possession of a stolen motor vehicle (class X). 2 Felony) and a theft leader (Class 2 Felony).

At approximately 10:30 p.m. on June 19, 2024, Roach allegedly met the victim in Elmhurst after responding to an ad the victim had placed on Facebook Marketplace to sell her car for $14,000. After meeting the victim outside the lobby of the Elmhurst Police Station, the victim and Roach allegedly decided to conduct the transaction at a nearby grocery store where security cameras were located. Once inside the grocery store, Roach allegedly reached into his waistband, displayed a black handgun and told the victim, “Give me the keys if you ever want to see your family again.” » The victim threw his key fob at Roach and ran to the customer service desk and called 911. It is alleged that Roach drove off in the victim’s car, which the victim had parked in the parking lot of the police station. Evanston police officers then located the victim’s car at a gas station in Evanston, where they allegedly observed Roach pumping gas. It is alleged that Roach fled on foot, but Evanston police were able to arrest him. Roach allegedly had the victim’s key fob in his pocket when he was arrested. Roach is currently on bail for vehicle hijacking in Cook County.

“It is alleged that while on bail for a forcible crime, Mr. Roach flouted the criminal justice system and committed another violent crime,” Berlin said. “In DuPage County, we have zero tolerance for the type of gun violence alleged in this case and we will pursue this case to the fullest extent of the law. I commend the Elmhurst Police Department for their outstanding work investigating this case and thank the Evanston Police Department for their assistance in arresting the alleged offender. I also thank Assistant District Attorneys Michael Pingaj, Adam Frahm, and Alexandria Levan for their efforts in building a strong case against Mr. Roach.

“Citizens participating in online exchanges should heed the warning signs of a dangerous agreement,” said Chief McLean. “Any buyer or seller who does not wish to attend a police station for a valuable transaction and instead requests to meet elsewhere late at night should be suspected. Do not accept a dangerous situation. I also thank Prosecutor Bob Berlin and his office for their legal advice and support during this investigation.

Roach’s next appearance is scheduled for July 15, 2024, for arraignment before Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh.

The public is reminded that this complaint only contains accusations and does not constitute proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which the burden is on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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