Cops: Chicago's Serial Carjacker Also Gurnee Purse-Snatcher
GURNEE, Ill. (STMW) -- A man accused of robbing an elderly woman of her purse in a north suburban parking lot two weeks ago has been identified as the same man who was arrested Tuesday for allegedly committing a series of carjackings in Chicago, one of which led to the death of an 11-year-old boy.
A felony warrant was issued for 34-year-old Rockie Douglas, charging him with robbery and theft for the Dec. 12 robbery in the parking lot of Bass Pro Shop, 6112 Grand Ave. in Gurnee, according to a statement from Gurnee police.
Police said Douglas approached the 78-year-old woman while she was searching in her purse for her keys, grabbed the purse and tried to take it.
When the woman struggled with Douglas, he allegedly pushed her to the ground and drove away, police said. The amount of money he successfully stole was not immediately known.
The warrant carried a $250,000 bond, according to the statement.
Douglas, whose last known address was in north suburban Beach Park, was captured Tuesday while apparently placing an order at a McDonald's drive-thru in Milwaukee, authorities said.
He was the subject of a manhunt by Chicago, state and federal authorities for his crime spree this weekend in Chicago. Authorities claim Douglas began a series of carjackings in Chicago on Friday, when he allegedly stole a green Dodge Caravan at 11:20 a.m. in the 800 block of West Irving Park Road.
Police said they tried to pull him over in that van Saturday, but he fled and crashed into an SUV in Englewood carrying 11-year-old Donovan Turnage, as well as his father and older brother.
Turnage, of the Chicago Lawn neighborhood, was pronounced dead a short time later. Meanwhile, Douglas allegedly stole a second car and got away.
An autopsy conducted Monday found Donovan died of multiple injuries he suffered in the crash and his death was ruled a homicide, according to the medical examiner's office.
Also within the last two weeks, prosecutors in Lake County issued a warrant for Douglas' arrest, claiming he broke into two homes, had possession of a stolen 2010 Nissan Altima and fled Zion police, going more than 21 mph over the speed limit.
Douglas is currently in custody in Milwaukee, awaiting extradition to Illinois.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
