On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at approximately 7:20 a.m., Will County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 14000 block of S. Churchill Drive in Homer Township in reference to an in-progress vehicle theft.

Upon arrival, deputies learned that a Dodge Durango had just been stolen from the victim’s driveway. The victim reported that she had attempted to remote start her vehicle but, after not hearing the engine, looked outside and saw an individual standing near the front door of her residence — pointing a firearm.

Deputies conducted a canvas of the area and reviewed home security footage, which revealed multiple offenders involved in the incident. One suspect, armed with a handgun, was seen monitoring the front door. A second suspect stood guard near the front of the residence. A third suspect broke the rear window of the Durango, entered the vehicle, and drove away moments later.

A black Dodge Challenger, believed to be the suspects’ vehicle, was seen leaving the scene immediately after the Durango.

A black Dodge Challenger, believed to be the same vehicle, was observed numerous times in the early morning hours throughout Homer Township and Lockport Township prior to the theft of the Durango.

Using a combination of Flock license plate recognition technology and Lojack tracking installed in the stolen Durango, investigators traced the suspects’ movements and notified numerous l police agencies.

Later that morning, the stolen Durango was located in Chicago along with two other stolen vehicles and three firearms, two that were equipped with conversion kits, making them fully automatic. One juvenile was arrested, with the other offenders still being sought.

Sheriff Mike Kelley would like to thank The Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force, The Tri-County Auto Theft Task Force and the Illinois State Police for their assistance in this case.

This investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending.