EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Four Illinois Quad Cities teenagers have been arrested and charged after police said one of them stole a vehicle at gunpoint and led police on a chase in the stolen car.
On Sunday, Sept. 29 around 3:45 a.m., East Moline police officers were dispatched to the 900 block of Avenue of the Cities after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle. Police Chief Jeff Ramsey said in a press release that the car's owner was forcibly removed from the vehicle and was threatened with a firearm. The victim was not injured.
Using the FLOCK License Plate Reader system, police said they were able to locate the stolen vehicle in the East Moline/Silvis area and attempted to stop it. That's when the suspects allegedly fled from police and a pursuit started.
Police said the chase did not last long before the suspects crashed the stolen vehicle into a tree near 19th Street and 30th Avenue in East Moline. The suspects fled on foot and were soon apprehended by police. According to the release, a stolen firearm was recovered.
Four teenagers were arrested and charged.
- 19-year-old Dariell D. Cooper of Silvis: Charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking (class X felony), possession of a stolen firearm (class 2 felony), aggravated unlawful use of a weapon (class 4 felony)
- 18-year-old Quentin K. Jacobsen of East Moline: Charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer (class A misdemeanor); arrested and released on notice to appear
- 18-year-old Terry E Moore of Rock Island: Charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer (class A misdemeanor); arrested and released on notice to appear
- 15-year-old male juvenile of East Moline: Charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer (class A misdemeanor); arrested and released to a parent pending referral to juvenile court.
"This was a very dangerous situation in which the Officers responded to quickly, and through great police work and teamwork, were able to locate and arrest those responsible," Ramsey said in the release. "The Silvis Police Department, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department and Moline Police Department assisted on this incident."
Ramsey said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Moline Police Department by calling 309-752-1555, Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500 or by using the P3 Tips app. Tipsters can remain anonymous.