Robbery Suspects Caught

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On February 9th, 2016, the DeKalb Police Department began investigating a report of a robbery that occurred on February 8th, 2016 at 1517 Elmwood Avenue in DeKalb. This victim did not sustain any physical injuries. On February 10th, 2016, the DeKalb Police Department began investigating another report of a robbery that was reported to have occurred at 1517 Elmwood Avenue on February 10th, 2016. This victim was beaten and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The victims in these cases reported that their cell phones and money were stolen by the suspects and that they were threatened with a gun. The suspects’ descriptions in both incidents were similar and both victims described one of the suspects as having a gang tattoo on his face.

The subsequent investigation led to a search of 1517 Elmwood Avenue which led to the recovery of items believed to contain DNA evidence, a shovel that was used as a weapon, and a “look-alike” pellet gun. The investigating officers also observed gang writings and graffiti inside the residence.

On February 10th, 2016, the DeKalb Police Department identified the suspects in this case and the suspects were arrested without incident in the 1500 block of Elmwood Avenue. At the time of their arrest one of the suspects had in his possession one of the stolen cell phones. The suspects are documented gang members and it is believed that these cases were gang motivated.

The following suspects were arrested on February 10th, 2016:

Marc A. Santiago, 22 years of age, from West Chicago, was charged with three counts of
Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony),
Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony) and three counts of Mob Action (Class 4 Felony).

Christian Zuniga, 23 years of age, from Bensenville, was charged with three counts of
Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony),Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony) and three counts of Mob Action (Class 4 Felony).

Brandon L. Villarreal, 21 years of age, from Bensenville, was charged with three counts of Aggravated Robbery (Class 1 Felony), two counts of Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony),Aggravated Battery (Class 3 Felony), Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony) and three counts of Mob Action (Class 4 Felony).

The DeKalb Police Department would encourage anyone having information regarding this case or similar incidents to contact our Detective Division, Crime Stoppers, or utilize “I Watch” app on your smart phone if you have any information.

Contact: Commander Redel

The contents of this press release are based upon the best information available to the DeKalb Police Department.  The statements regarding the conduct of any person identified above are allegations until affirmatively proven in Court.  All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.