April 9, 2026
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Oak Brook Chief of Police Brian Strockis announced today that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to detain pre-trial two Chicago men one of whom is accused of leading police on a high-speed chase while his co-defendant was illegally in possession of a loaded gun. Lorenzo Bell, 20 (d.o.b. 1/23/2006) of the 8100 block of Evans Avenue, appeared at First Appearance Court this morning charged with two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, one Class 2 Felony and one Class 4 Felony. Bell’s co-defendant, Jahiem Russell, 22 (d.o.b. 4/26/2003) of the 400 block of E 89th Place, also appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen License Plate (Class 2 Felony) and two counts of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding (Class 4 Felony).
On April 8, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., an officer with the Oak Brook Police Department pulled behind a blue Nissan on Ring Road at Oak Brook Center near Harger Road. It is alleged that once the officer was behind the Nissan, the vehicle immediately sped away at a high rate of speed and disobeyed a stop sign at Harger Road at which time the officer activated his emergency lights and siren. With the officer in pursuit, it is alleged that the vehicle, later determined to be driven by Russell, ignored multiple stop signs and eventually made its way to eastbound 22nd Street where he reached speeds of approximately 63 m.ph. in a 40-m.p.h zone during heavy traffic. It is further alleged that Russell weaved in and out of traffic onto I-88 westbound to southbound Route 83 and back onto I-88 eastbound where he reached speeds of approximately 86 m.p.h. It is alleged that Russell continued weaving in and out of heavy traffic and traveled on the shoulder of the road to I-294 southbound. It is alleged that Russell continued on I-294 southbound to the westbound Ogden Avenue ramp where he struck road barrels and then reversed into an Oak Brook Squad Car. It is further alleged that the Nissan became disabled at which time Russell and Bell fled the vehicle on foot only to be quickly apprehended by law enforcement officers. When searching the Nissan, officers allegedly found a loaded Taurus 9 mm handgun with one bulled in the chamber and twelve rounds in the magazine on the front passenger floorboard where Bell had been seated. Following further investigation, officers learned that the license plate affixed to the Nissan was reported stolen on April 7, 2026.
“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,” Berlin said. “As the Oak Brook Mall gets busier with the warm weather, visitors will find the Mall inviting, and I encourage everyone to enjoy the Mall’s restaurants, shops and other attractions. At the same time, I warn anyone who thinks of the Oak Brook Mall as an easy target that law enforcement in DuPage County, particularly in Oak Brook, is extremely well-trained and has absolutely zero tolerance for any type of behavior that threatens public safety. If you commit a crime here you will be apprehended, charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Once again, I commend the Oak Brook Police Department for their outstanding efforts on this case and for their ongoing commitment to the safety of the visitors, employees and businesses at the Oak Brook Mall. I thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Rob Willis, Anthony Raimondi and Eric Vincent for their efforts in preparing charges against these two defendants.”
“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,” Strockis said. “This case is yet another example of dangerous individuals, armed with an illegal firearm, who were stopped and held accountable by the decisive actions of the Oak Brook Police Department. Let me be clear: this type of criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Because of the vigilance and coordination of our officers and partner agencies, these individuals were taken off the street before they could cause further harm. I want to thank all of the agencies that assisted in this effort, especially those along the eastern edge of the county with whom we work side by side every day. Your continued partnership is critical to keeping our communities safe. I also want to recognize State’s Attorney Berlin and his team for their strong guidance and support in bringing this case forward.”
The next court appearance for both men is scheduled for May 4, 2026, in front of Judge Mia McPherson.
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.
