Three men have been arrested, and three more are wanted in connection with a string of overnight commercial burglaries targeting local businesses.
Between February 2024 and May 2025, the Chicago suburbs will experience approximately 115 overnight burglaries against local retailers. Offenders would arrive at their destinations in stolen vehicles or rental cars with stolen registrations.
The offenders would force their way into the establishment while wearing hoods and masks, occasionally brandishing weapons, and stealing large amounts of retail merchandise. Police departments attempted to apprehend the group, but the criminals fled at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Arlington Heights and Vernon Hills Police Departments spearheaded a collaboration with police departments in Addison, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Oak Lawn, Worth, Barrington, South Barrington, Deerfield, Wauconda, Gilberts, West Dundee, Gurnee, Lake Forest, Carpentersville, Des Plaines, Westchester, Wilmette, Northbrook, North Chicago, Glencoe, Skokie, Morton Grove, and Chicago.
The investigation revealed six common offenders. Demario M. Brown, 26, of Chicago; Dequane J. Hall, 29, of Chicago; Darryl D. Williamson, 26, of Chicago; Jimmy C. Hall, 30, of Chicago; Antonio Lewis, 26, of Chicago; and Marquise D. Williamson, 24, of Wheeling are all members of a gang on Chicago’s west side.
Jimmy C. Hall was arrested and charged with sixteen burglaries, one theft, five counts of organised retail crime, and one attempted burglary.
Dequane Hall was arrested and charged with two burglaries and one case of organised retail crime.
Marquise Williamson was arrested and charged with thirteen burglaries, one theft, and four counts of organised retail crime.
Originally, the group’s goal was to steal and resell catalytic converters in 2023. The group obtained vehicles by using digital programming devices tailored to specific models. The targets started with ATM-equipped establishments and progressed to high-end liquors and cosmetic products. Retailers lost nearly $1 million. The items were resold online via social media and word of mouth.
Detectives worked with Illinois Attorney General prosecutors to file 98 charges against the conspirators.
Marquise Williamson’s court date is scheduled for July 17. Jimmy Hall and Dequane Hall’s court appearance is scheduled for July 21.
The remaining three suspects have not been apprehended.
Anyone with information should contact Arlington Heights Police Department.
