Two Chicago Men Arrested After High-Speed Chase, Illegal Weapons Possession Near Oak Brook Mall

Authorities say the suspects fled police, reached speeds of 86 mph, and had a loaded handgun in the vehicle.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent 9mm shell casing lying on a dark surface, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and highlights that convey a sense of danger and investigation.A recent wave of high-speed chases and illegal weapons possession incidents near suburban shopping malls has raised alarms about public safety.Chicago Today

Two Chicago men, Lorenzo Bell and Jahiem Russell, have been charged with multiple felonies after a high-speed chase and illegal weapons possession incident near the Oak Brook Mall. Police say the men fled at high speeds, reaching 86 mph, before crashing and attempting to flee on foot. A loaded 9mm handgun was found in their vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of armed criminals using stolen vehicles and fleeing from police in suburban areas, raising concerns about public safety and the need for stronger enforcement and prosecution of these types of offenses.

The details

On April 8, Oak Brook police attempted to pull over a blue Nissan driven by Jahiem Russell, 22, near the Oak Brook Center mall. Russell immediately sped away, reaching speeds of 63 mph in a 40 mph zone and eventually getting onto I-88 and I-294, where he reached 86 mph while weaving through heavy traffic. The chase ended when Russell struck road barrels and reversed into a police car. Russell and his passenger, Lorenzo Bell, 20, then fled on foot but were arrested. Police found a loaded 9mm handgun with one round in the chamber and 12 in the magazine on the front passenger floorboard, where Bell was seated.

  • The incident occurred around 3:50 pm on April 8, 2026.
  • The suspects' next court appearance is scheduled for May 4, 2026.

The players

Jahiem Russell

A 22-year-old Chicago resident charged with unlawful possession of a stolen license plate and two counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding police.

Lorenzo Bell

A 20-year-old Chicago resident and convicted felon on probation, charged with two counts of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

Robert Berlin

The DuPage County State's Attorney who called the suspects' alleged actions "beyond disturbing."

Brian Strockis

The Oak Brook Chief of Police who said the case is an example of "dangerous individuals, armed with an illegal firearm, who were stopped and held accountable."

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What they’re saying

“The allegations that Mr. Russell fled from police at a high rate of speed in the middle of the afternoon near the Oak Brook Mall while his co-defendant, Lorenzo Bell, a convicted felon currently on probation for unlawful possession of a weapon, was illegally in possession of a loaded gun, are beyond disturbing.”

— Robert Berlin, DuPage County State's Attorney

“When criminals come into our community using stolen license plates, they are not here to commit minor offenses. They are here with intent to do harm.”

— Brian Strockis, Oak Brook Chief of Police

What’s next

The judge will decide on May 4 whether to grant bail for the two suspects.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for stronger enforcement and prosecution of armed criminals who flee from police, especially in suburban areas near major shopping centers where public safety is a top concern.