DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael McLean recently announced that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to detain the driver of an alleged getaway vehicle following a burglary/retail theft at the Naperville Alo Yoga store located at 19 W. Jefferson Avenue.
Arterria Lipsey, 32, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, appeared in court on Oct. 20, and was charged with one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding (Class 4 felony) and multiple misdemeanor and petty traffic offenses. Additionally, Lipsey is charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony) and one count of retail theft (Class 3 felony). Lipsey’s alleged accomplice, Shataya Connor, 28, of Chicago, has also been charged with one count of burglary and one count of retail theft. Connor was released on her own recognizance on Oct. 20.
On Oct. 19, at approximately 7:15 p.m., officers with the Naperville Police Department responded to a call of a burglary/retail theft at the Alo Yoga store. Following an investigation, it is alleged that Lipsey and Connor entered the store, selected various items of clothing with an approximate retail value of $1,694 and then left the store without paying for the merchandise. A short time later, an officer with the Elmhurst Police Department located the women allegedly traveling eastbound on I-290 in a black Dodge Durango driven by Lipsey.
It is alleged that when the officer activated his emergency lights and siren, instead of pulling over, Lipsey fled from the officer, reaching speeds of approximately 82 mph. The officer ultimately terminated the pursuit. Shortly thereafter, the Elmhurst officer rejoined the pursuit, which had been picked up by the Hillside Police Department. The pursuit came to an end on southbound I-294, when the Durango drove over spike strips that had been previously deployed by the Oak Brook Police Department. Lipsey was taken into custody at that time.
“In DuPage County, you cannot simply enter a local business, help yourself to nearly $1,700 worth of merchandise, walk out without paying, and expect to get away with it,” Berlin said. “What I find particularly upsetting in this case is the allegation that Arterria Lipsey, who was driving the getaway car, then led police on a dangerous high-speed chase, putting the officers involved and countless innocent motorists at great risk. Thankfully, no innocent motorists were injured or worse.”
“This successful apprehension reflects the professionalism, communication, and teamwork of officers from multiple departments,” said McLean. “Their coordinated response brought this pursuit to a safe conclusion and demonstrates what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together to arrest those that target our communities. The combination of proactive police work and strong prosecution from State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office continues to positively impact public safety in DuPage County.”
Lipsey’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 16. Connor’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 10.
