Authorities report that two women from Chicago allegedly led police on a high-speed chase after stealing clothing from a retail store.
The DuPage County state’s attorney’s office has charged Shawanda Outlaw, 38, and Destiny Jackson, 27, with robbery and retail theft, along with two counts of aggravated escaping from officers.
On Monday around 12:30 p.m., the Oakbrook Police Department responded to a theft report and reviewed security footage. According to reports, Jackson and Outlaw entered the store, selected 18 articles of clothing valued at $1,674, and proceeded to the fitting room.
While in the fitting room, they reportedly concealed the items under their clothing and left the store without paying.
Later that day, police spotted Jackson and Outlaw in a blue Nissan. When officers tried to pull them over with sirens and lights, Jackson allegedly accelerated instead of stopping.
Witnesses say she led authorities on a high-speed pursuit, reaching speeds of up to 82 miles per hour. Reports indicate she drove on the shoulders of the road and even into oncoming traffic to evade capture.
Eventually, police, with assistance from the Chicago Police Department, boxed in Jackson’s vehicle as she entered Interstate 290.
During their escape, it is also alleged that they discarded items stolen from the store.
Both women were arrested at the scene. The State Attorney’s Office noted that Outlaw appeared in court on Monday, but the judge declined to hold her. However, after the hearing, the state filed to revoke her pretrial release due to pending theft cases in connection with other stores. Judges granted this request.
Jackson, currently on parole for prior offenses, was previously released on another retail theft case but has now been requested for pretrial custody following a hearing.
Jackson’s court date is set for August 11, while Outlaw is scheduled for August 26.
DuPage County State Attorney Robert Berlin criticized the behavior of both women, expressing concern over their repeated offenses. He emphasized that their actions posed risks to police, other drivers, pedestrians, and shoppers alike during their pursuit.
Berlin called for legislative changes, stating, “There’s a zero tolerance policy for this kind of conduct in DuPage County,” and highlighted the need for judges to have more discretion in similar cases.
In response to ongoing issues, the Safety, Accountability, Equity and Equity (SAFE-T) Act, effective January 1, 2023, overhauled Illinois’ judicial system, including provisions for eliminating cash bail and reclassifying some felonies to misdemeanors.
The act faced legal challenges but ultimately went into effect, making Illinois the first state to abolish cash bail entirely.
