The Flossmoor Police Department on Saturday released the name of a Riverdale teen who has been charged with armed robbery after allegedly stealing personal items and a vehicle from a woman Thursday afternoon, Oct. 17.
Jhamier L. Weatherspoon, 18, of Riverdale was charged by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and will be transported to Markham Courthouse for a pretrial detention hearing, police said.
The incident occurred at 1:35 p.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of Douglas Avenue. Weatherspoon allegedly approached a woman, robbed her of personal belongings at gunpoint and demanded information about the location of her vehicle. The woman was not harmed.
Flossmoor officers alerted surrounding law enforcement agencies with details of the vehicle and suspect. Shortly after, the vehicle was found in the 5900 block of Rice Street in Chicago. License plate reader cameras were used as part of the search for the suspect.
Weatherspoon was arrested by Chicago Police Officers, the victim’s vehicle was recovered, and a firearm was confiscated.
Flossmoor police thanked neighboring officers and the Chicago Police Department for assisting with the case.
After some residents on social media questioned why police did not issue information immediately after the incident, the village posted a clarification on its website.
“Due to the speed at which the suspect left Flossmoor — which was less than 5 minutes from when the alleged crime was reported and verified by LPR cameras, technology, and other sources — shelter-in-place orders, lockdowns, or other community emergency alerts were not deemed necessary by Flossmoor Police.”
Police also reminded residents to sign up for emergency alerts via E-Cop emails and/or Rave/Smart 911 texts. Alerts are issued when there is a call to action needed or immediate safety concern for the community, police said. To sign up for E-Cop alerts, visit flossmoor.org, and for Rave/Smart 911 services text “ECOM911Alerts” to 77295.