Eight Arrested from Chicago Could be Responsible for Smash-and-Grab Robberies in Several States

BEACHWOOD, OH — Eight people from Chicago are in jail now suspected for smash-and-grab robberies in several states.

Officials believe the seven men and one woman are responsible for stealing $1.9 million in merchandise from high-end retail stores in Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and Michigan.

According to stltoday.com, the group was responsible for a smash-and-grab at Plaza Frontenac which ended with a high-speed chase and traveled 60 miles into Illinois. The Plaza Frontenac heist included $59,785 in stolen designer handbags, police say.

Beachwood police believe these could be the same people responsible for a bold smash-and-grab at Beachwood Place last year and are in contact with investigators in Illinois and Missouri.

Last September, a dozen suspects stole $300,000 in designer purses from the Saks Fifth Avenue at the Beachwood Place mall while the store was closed around 5 a.m. Video captured a stolen Jeep crashing through the front door of the high-end retail store followed by eight people running into the store to loot and steal about $300,000 worth of designer purses.

Illinois State Police have arrested the following eight residents of Chicago. They are charged with with theft, a Class 2 felony:

• Terrence J. Bell, Male, 25
• Darius O. Bowdry, Male, 21
• Julian C. Campbell, Male, 22
• Derrick Crowder, Male, 24
• Jacob A. Lee, Male, 27
• Keyshyla S. Thomas, Female, 22
• Mario Washington, Male, 24
• Dejaun D. Winguard, Male, 21

The other suspects who are responsible for the St. Louis Saks store heist remain at large.

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