Bond Denied for Bensenville Man Suspected in a String of Armed Robberies
Because the defendant is extended term eligible, he faces a penalty of between twenty-one and sixty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if convicted.
WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, Addison Chief of Police Bill Hayden and Wood Dale Chief of Police Greg Vesta announced today that bond has been denied for a Bensenville man suspected in a string of DuPage County armed robberies who has been on parole for less than one year following a Class X Armed Robbery conviction out of Cook County. Marquelle Williams, 38 (d.o.b. 12/29/1982) of the 600 block of S. York Road, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge John Kinsella denied bond. Williams has been charged with three counts of Armed Robbery with a Firearm (Class X Felony), four counts of Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X Felony) and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony). Because the defendant is extended term eligible, he faces a penalty of between twenty-one and sixty years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if convicted.
At approximately 12:51 p.m., January 7, 2021, Wood Dale Police responded to a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the 7-Eleven located at 311 E. Irving Park Road. Upon their arrival, officers found the female store clerk with a black zip tie still on her arm. It is alleged that at approximately 12:42 p.m., a man with dreadlocks, later identified as Williams, entered the 7-Eleven store, selected an item to purchase and then approached the counter. It is alleged that after completing the purchase, Williams brandished a gun with an extended magazine, walked behind the counter and told the clerk to open two cash registers, which she did. It is further alleged that Williams took cash totaling approximately $1,033 from the registers. It is alleged that Williams then ordered the clerk to lay on the ground at which time Williams secured her hands behind her with a zip tie he brought with him. It is alleged that Williams then fled the store. During the investigation it was learned that a similar robbery took place on December 19, 2020 at a Lombard 7-Eleven located at 2S651 Lloyd Avenue. In this incident it is alleged that at approximately 3:05 a.m., a man, later identified as Williams, entered the store, went behind the sales counter and told the clerk “do what you’re told and you won’t get hurt” as he pulled out a gun with an extended magazine. It is further alleged that Williams demanded access to two cash registers and took approximately $500 from the registers. It is further alleged that Williams ordered the clerk to lay on his stomach at which time Williams struck the clerk two times in the shoulder area before tying his arms behind his back. It is alleged that Williams then fled the store with the cash and fifty-five packs of cigarettes. The investigation into the Wood Dale robbery also revealed a similar robbery in Addison that occurred on January 28, 2021. In this incident, it is alleged that at approximately 10 p.m., a man with dreadlocks, later identified as Williams, entered the Speedway gas station located at 701 E. Lake Street, poured himself a cup of coffee and approached the front counter. It is alleged that Williams then walked behind the counter, displayed a gun and told the clerk to open the register. It is alleged that as the clerk attempted to open the register, Williams shoved the gun into her waist and told her “Do you want to die? Open the drawer and give me all the money.” It is further alleged that after the clerk opened the register and gave Williams the money, he ordered her to open the safe. When the clerk told Williams she could not, he allegedly again put the gun to her waist and asked her multiple times if she wanted to die. It is further alleged that Williams ordered the clerk to put cigarettes into a bag and then fled the store with the cash and the bag of cigarettes. An investigation into the alleged robberies led to Williams. On February 9, 2021, a search warrant executed at Williams’ residence yielded a gun with an extended magazine, appearing to be the same weapon used in all the robberies, ammunition, zip ties, a dreadlock wig and clothing and shoes believed to be worn by the offender in the robberies.
“It is alleged that Mr. Williams’ two-month violent crime spree terrorized DuPage County residents and businesses as he went from town to town committing armed robberies,” Berlin said. “The number of resources dedicated to the apprehension of Mr. Williams sends the message that we will use every tool at our disposal to hold those who commit violent crimes, as alleged in this case, responsible for their actions. Mr. William’s alleged crime spree was put to an end however, thanks to the outstanding, cooperative efforts of the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office, the Addison, Wood Dale, Bensenville, Elmhurst and Schiller Park Police Departments, the DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response & Investigation Team (MERIT) and the DuPage County Metropolitan Enforcement Group (DuMEG). I would also like to thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Helen Kapas and Alyssa Rabulinski for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Williams.”
“I am extremely proud of the Detectives handling this case,” Wood Dale Deputy Chief of Police William Frese said. “From the date that this occurred to the day of the arrest, they worked continuously, gathering enough evidence to put an end to Mr. Williams alleged crimes throughout the western suburbs. I also cannot express the gratitude that we have for all of the other agencies involved in this case from beginning to end. Without the resources provided, we would not have come to such a quick resolution in this case.”
“The safety and security that we enjoy in DuPage County does not happen by accident,” Mendrick said. “It requires cooperation between all our law enforcement agencies, as illustrated in this case. I would like to thank all of our partners in law enforcement for their contributions which led to the apprehension and charging of Mr. Williams.”
“I would like to thank all the law enforcement agencies involved in this case, particularly the State’s Attorney’s Office,” Hayden said. “DuPage County remains one of the safest places to live in the country because of their efforts to protect our citizens by administering a full measure of justice to those who would prey upon society.”
Williams’ next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2021, for arraignment in front of Judge Kinsella.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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