Offender in Custody after Fleeing from Police and Crashing into River Forest Business

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Police Chief James O'Shea, (708) 366-8500 ext. 340, joshea@vrf.us

River Forest, IL – In the early morning hours of December 4, 2024, Riverside Police stopped a vehicle for traffic offenses in the Village of Riverside. The driver was observed retrieving a firearm during the stop and fled from police. A short time later, Forest Park Police observed the same vehicle and attempted a traffic stop but the vehicle fled before officers could make contact with the driver. The vehicle fled into River Forest, left the roadway, and struck a business in the 300 block of Lathrop at approximately 3:07 AM. 

The offender exited the vehicle and entered the unoccupied business. Police surrounded the area and directed the offender to exit the building. The offender fired a handgun from inside the business. It is unknown at this time if the offender was firing at police. A short time later, the offender surrendered to police without further incident and was taken into custody by River Forest Police with the assistance of Forest Park, Oak Park, and Riverside Police.  

The driver was the sole occupant of the vehicle and police are not searching searching for any other additional individuals. This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the community. Further information will be  provided when available as the investigation is ongoing. 

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