Itasca police say suspects in Helix smash‑and‑grab were arrested across multiple states; FBI now involved

Itasca police told the Village Board on Oct. 21 that detectives rapidly developed leads after a smash‑and‑grab burglary at the Helix store (100 block of Walnut) and that multiple suspects were apprehended across several states.

"The video shows 5 persons entering this, breaking the door, entering the store, and then gone in about a minute with all the proceeds," Bob (department head) said. Detectives analyzed surveillance and shared information with local and statewide agencies; later the same crew committed a similar offense in Ohio.

Bob said one suspect was apprehended in Ohio, two cars were later stopped (apprehensions occurred in Kentucky and Mississippi) and multiple suspects were in custody; he described a 55‑mile‑per‑hour chase and vehicle ramming in Mississippi before arrests were made. He added the FBI contacted the department and indicated an interest in joining the investigation because the crew appears to have targeted multiple states.

The department is working with the DuPage state's attorney's office on charges and logistics. "Our detectives jumped on that case right away," Bob said, adding that technology and camera analysis were critical to the investigation. He said he would notify the board if federal involvement or additional press activity develops.

The report also included routine community policing items — upcoming school bike‑to‑school events and a potential partnership with the food pantry for car‑seat checks — but the multi‑state burglary and resulting arrests were the principal public‑safety development reported.