Two men from the Detroit area were arrested Wednesday, November 19, in Kewanee, Illinois, after police say a retail theft at the local Walmart escalated into a pursuit, a crash, and a foot chase. Officers were called to the Walmart on Tenney Street shortly after 1 p.m. for a theft in progress involving a man in the electronics section who matched the description of a known suspect. When officers made contact, the man ran out of the store and jumped into a waiting white sedan being driven by a second suspect. Police pursued the vehicle briefly before terminating the chase for safety reasons. Minutes later, the suspect crashed his vehicle and both ran, but they were quickly captured.
The suspects were identified as Ramone Gorden, 20, of Harper Woods and Demarco Johnson, 19, of Detroit. Police said both men are believed to be connected to additional thefts at Walmart stores in other states, and detectives are now coordinating with outside agencies and Walmart corporate security to determine the extent of their alleged activity. Both suspects are being held at the Henry County Jail. Bond information was not immediately provided.
Charges for Both Suspects
Burglary – Class 2 Felony
Penalty: 3–7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, up to $25,000 fine, 2 years mandatory supervised release.
Criminal – Class 1 Felony
Penalty: 4–15 years DOC, up to $25,000 fine, 3 years mandatory supervised release.
Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer – Class A Misdemeanor
Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail, up to $2,500 fine.
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition Without a FOID Card – Class A Misdemeanor
Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail, up to $2,500 fine.
Additional Charges for Driver Ramone Gorden
Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer – Class 4 Felony
Penalty: 1–3 years DOC, up to $25,000 fine, driver’s license revocation.
Reckless Driving – Class A Misdemeanor
Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail, up to $2,500 fine.
Aggravated Speeding in a School Zone – 26+ mph Over – Class A Misdemeanor
Penalty: Up to 1 year in county jail, up to $2,500 fine.
Additional Citations
Police say Gorden received multiple traffic citations connected to the pursuit and crash.
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