Police: Duo stole pot, phones from DeKalb home

DeKALB – When two men broke into a DeKalb home early Monday, one of them showed the victims the bullets in his gun to illustrate the seriousness of the situation, authorities said.

Police say Tyler J. Mejia, 21, of the 5500 block of South Peace Road, Sycamore, and Genaro Flores, 19, of the 1100 block of South Sixth Street, DeKalb, entered the home at the 300 block of Ash Court about 2:49 a.m. Monday armed with handguns. They threatened to shoot those in the house, and during the robbery, hit one of the victims in the mouth so hard the wound required stitches.

Both Flores and Mejia were charged with home invasion and armed robbery, which typically are punishable by between six and 30 years in prison. If the men are found guilty of using a firearm in the crime, they would face at least 21 years in prison.

The victims told police three men entered the home and stole cellphones, marijuana and cash from them. They recognized Flores, who stored several of the stolen items in his bedroom, court records show.

DeKalb police Detective Lt. Bob Redel said the victims and suspects had been feuding. Flores used to be friends with the victims.

“Obviously, it escalated and got out of control,” Redel said.

Charges also are pending against a 15-year-old boy, Redel said.

Flores told police Mejia also participated in the robbery, but Mejia told police that he was in Elgin at the time. However, police later found text messages stating Mejia was in DeKalb at the time of the robbery and was at Flores’ home after the robbery, according to court records.

Both men were arrested Monday at Flores’ home and remained in jail Tuesday. Mejia’s bond was set Tuesday at $500,000. Flores’ bond was set at $150,000.

Mejia is next due in court on July 8, while Flores is next due in court July 1.