Catalytic Converter Thief Apprehended After Chase
Catalytic Converter Thief Apprehended After Chase (Orland Park, IL) – On Thursday (01/27/22) at approximately 1:50 AM, the Orland Park Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Bettenhausen Dodge dealership lot located at 15941 94th Ave. An off-site security monitoring company observed a vehicle pull into the parking lot with its lights off.
As officers arrived, they observed a male, later identified as Tyree D. Johnston, walking
through the lot. Upon noticing the officers, Johnston fled the scene in his vehicle at a high
rate of speed headed southbound on 94th Ave. He proceeded to drive through a red light
at 167th St. and 94th Ave., striking another vehicle in the intersection. Johnston exited his
vehicle and began to flee on foot. He was located a short time later attempting to climb on
top of a shed in the 9300 Block of 167th Street and was taken into custody. No injuries were reported after the crash. Orland Fire responded and everyone involved refused treatment.
Johnston’s Vehicle
Johnston’s vehicle was searched which lead to the discovery of five (5) catalytic converters,
a reciprocating saw, approximately 78 grams of cannabis which was packaged for sale,
and over $2,000 in cash. A Dodge Van parked at the Bettenhausen Dodge dealership was
subsequently found to have a missing catalytic converter that was removed by Johnston
prior to the officer’s arrival.
On Thursday (01/27/22), Johnston appeared at a bond hearing before the Honorable
Judge Havis at Bridgeview Courthouse. Thompson was issued a $50,000 Deposit Bond.
His next court appearance is Feb 15th, 2022 at Bridgeview Courthouse in room 103 at 9:30
AM.
Arrested:
Tyree D. Johnston (Male / 29 Years Old)
Chicago, IL 60443
Charges:
Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle Parts – Class 2 Felony
Unlawful Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver – Class 4 Felony
Leaving the Scene of a Crash – Class A Misdemeanor
Reckless Driving – Class A Misdemeanor
Speeding more than 35 MPH over the posted limit – Class A Misdemeanor
Other traffic citations
Contact: Lieutenant Wayne Lee (708) 364-8116 or wlee@orlandpark.org
(All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law)
Catalytic Converter Thief Apprehended After Chase
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