Good Samaritan stops thief who stole tequila from Elmhurst CVS

ELMHURST – A witness to a theft that reportedly occurred at 2:13 a.m. June 16 at CVS, 110 W. North Ave., Elmhurst, successfully chased down the suspect and returned the stolen merchandise to the pharmacy.

Elmhurst Deputy Police Chief Mike McLean said in an interview June 19 that the witness, who has not been identified, was a "Good Samaritan," though he said it is better for citizens to inform the police rather than risk putting themselves in danger.

"Calling 911 is the safest course of action," McLean said.

He said there was a half-hour delay before the Elmhurst police were called.

In the incident, a male suspect reportedly stole six bottles of Jose Cuervo Silver tequila at CVS, along with four bottles of alcohol that he put back after a CVS clerk confronted him, McLean said.

The suspect then fled on a bicycle, and the witness followed the suspect at a distance with his car until the intersection of Lake and York streets, where he confronted the suspect and was able to get the backpack, he said.

The six bottles of tequila were valued at about $100, McLean said.

The incident remains under investigation, he said.