Bartlett Woman Charged with Robbing Naperville Vape Shop

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Naperville Chief of Police Jason Arres announced that a Bartlett woman and four male juveniles have been charged with robbing a Naperville vape store. Yesterday afternoon Judge Joshua Dieden denied the State’s motion to detain pre-trial Kelis Kirkland, 18 (d.o.b. 5/21/05) of the 100 block of Cedarfield Drive in First Appearance Court. Kirkland is charged with one count of Robbery, a Class 2 Felony. Her co-defendants, four juvenile males ages fourteen, sixteen, seventeen and seventeen, each appeared at their detention hearing yesterday afternoon where three of the four were detained until at least their next court appearance. The remaining juvenile was released to the custody of his family on home detention. All four juveniles are charged with one count of Robbery (Class 2 Felony), one count of Burglary (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony).

It is alleged that on January 10, 2024, at approximately 8:00 p.m., three of the juveniles entered the Smoke Area Vape Shop located at 1570 W. Ogden Avenue as the fourth juvenile held the door open. It is alleged that the three juveniles jumped over the counter and filled three bags with approximately $4,400 worth of merchandise. It is further alleged that when the clerk at the shop attempted to fend off the juveniles, one of the juveniles threw a bottle of vape syrup at him, striking him in the chest. It is alleged that the four juveniles then left the store with the merchandise, entered a vehicle driven by Kirkland and fled the scene. Approximately five minutes later, a Naperville police officer located the vehicle near River Road and W. Jefferson Avenue and conducted a traffic stop. Inside the officers, located three backpacks filled with vape merchandise allegedly stolen from the vape shop. All five defendants were taken into custody at this time.

“The allegations that Ms. Kirkland and four juveniles drove to Naperville and violently robbed approximately $4,400 worth of merchandise from a small business are extremely alarming,” Berlin said. “The quick apprehension of the suspects in this case is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the Naperville Police Department and should serve as a reminder to anyone thinking of committing a crime in DuPage County that if you do, you will arrested, charged and prosecuted. I thank the Naperville Police Department for their quick response to this matter that led to the apprehension of all five suspects just minutes later. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Alex Levan, Marta Prell and Michael Pingaj for their work in securing charges against these defendants.”

“Once again, a fast response, keen observation and good policework by one of our officers led to the arrest of five people suspected of committing a brazen robbery in our town,” said Chief Arres. “I cannot give our officers enough credit for the outstanding work they’re doing on behalf of this city. I want to thank them for their continued service as well as DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his office for their assistance in these cases.”

Kirkland’s next court appearance is scheduled for January 29, 2024, for arraignment in front of Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh. The next court appearance for the detained juveniles is scheduled for January 16, 2024. The next court appearance for the released juvenile is scheduled for February 22, 2024.           

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Kelis Kirkland

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.