DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King announced last week that Judge Joshua Dieden granted the state’s motion to deny pre-trial release for a Chicago man accused of fleeing from police after allegedly stealing more than $1,000 worth of merchandise from the Hinsdale Walgreens.
David Freeman, 31, of the 1100 block of 61st Street, appeared in First Appearance Court Nov. 21 charged with one count of burglary (Class 2 felony), two counts of retail theft (Class 3 felony), one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding a police officer (Class 4 felony) and several misdemeanor counts, including one count of endangering the life or health of a child.
Hinsdale officers responded at about 4:30 p.m. July 19 to a call of a retail theft in progress at Walgreens, 15 Grant Square. Officers were alerted to a Chevrolet Astro van allegedly driven by Freeman that was involved in the theft. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Freeman allegedly fled the scene. As officers pursued Freeman, he disobeyed multiple stop signs and struck two Hinsdale squad cars, police said. Officers terminated pursuit out of safety concerns.
Prior to fleeing from police, Freeman is accused of entering the Walgreens and, while holding a 3- to 4-year-old child, selecting about $1,005.74 worth of merchandise and leaving the store without paying. An arrest warrant was issued Oct. 11, and Freeman was taken into custody Nov. 20 without incident.
“This most recent case of fleeing from the police is extremely disturbing as it allegedly occurred in the middle of the afternoon in a busy strip mall,” Berlin said. “Thankfully, no innocent motorists or pedestrians were injured or killed,” he added.
“Freeman’s conscious disregard for the safety of this child as he allegedly struck two police cars and fled from officers is truly alarming,” King said. “I would like to thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office for their assistance in this investigation.”
Freeman is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 11 in front of Judge Daniel Guerin.
