Two Men Charged After Stolen SUV Linked to Multiple Police Chases Recovered

The vehicle had been involved in pursuits across several Chicago suburbs before being stopped with flat tires.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:09pm

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Two men were arrested after police recovered a stolen vehicle tied to several suburban Chicago police chases. Officers used a tire deflation device to stop the vehicle, which had flat tires when it came to a halt in Maywood. Two suspects were apprehended, while a third suspect fled the scene.

Why it matters

Vehicle thefts and police pursuits pose significant risks to public safety, so the recovery of this stolen SUV and the arrest of the suspects is an important development. The fact that this vehicle was linked to multiple prior chases across different jurisdictions highlights the regional coordination required to address these types of crimes.

The details

Elmhurst police said they were alerted to the stolen Honda CR-V, which had previously fled from officers in Naperville, Aurora, and Downers Grove, entering their city around 3:10 pm on March 11. Elmhurst officers followed the vehicle onto the interstate and used a tire deflation device, causing it to stop with flat tires in Maywood. Two suspects were arrested near First Avenue and Roosevelt Road, while a third suspect escaped.

  • On March 10, the stolen vehicle fled from police in Naperville.
  • On March 11, the vehicle fled from police in Aurora and Downers Grove earlier that day.
  • Around 3:10 pm on March 11, Elmhurst police spotted the vehicle and initiated a pursuit.
  • The vehicle was stopped with flat tires near Second and Harvard avenues in Maywood.

The players

Abdulhafedh H. Abdulhafedh

A 25-year-old man from Aurora who was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of stolen license plates, and obstructing a police officer.

Wenzel C. Draper

A 32-year-old man from Chicago who was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of stolen license plates.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Abdulhafedh and Draper at their first court appearance.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the regional coordination required to address vehicle theft and dangerous police pursuits, which pose significant risks to public safety. The recovery of the stolen SUV and the arrest of two suspects are important steps, but the search continues for the third suspect who fled the scene.