DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Bensenville Chief of Police Brad Swanson announced today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 that Judge Joshua Dieden has granted the State’s motion to deny pre-trial release for two Chicago suspects accused of robbing at gunpoint a Bensenville gas station. Tavon Williams, age 28, of the 8100 block of South Harper Avenue, appeared in First Appearance Court yesterday afternoon charged with one count of Armed Robbery with a Firearm (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Repeat Felony Offender (Class X Felony), one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – Machine Gun (Class X Felony), one count of Aggravated Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 1 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony). Williams’ alleged accomplice, Robert Hoes, age 26, of the 8800 block of S. Drexel Avenue, also appeared in First Appearance Court yesterday morning charged with one count of Armed Robbery with a Firearm (Class X Felony), one count of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 2 Felony) and one count of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony).
Bensenville police responded about 2:21 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2026 to a report that an armed robbery just occurred at Casey’s Gas Station, 1225 Devon Avenue in Bensenville near Elk Grove Village. Following an investigation, it is alleged that two individuals, later identified as Williams and Hoes, entered the store while the clerk was behind the counter. Once inside the store, Williams, carrying a black handgun, allegedly jumped over the counter while Hoes walked around to the back of the counter. Williams allegedly held the gun on the cashier, both defendants repeatedly yelled, “give me the money.” Hoes allegedly then grabbed two cash registers off the counter, ran out the door and loaded both cash registers into a Honda Civic parked in front of the store. Both men then fled the scene in the Honda. Approximately four minutes later, a Villa Park police officer allegedly observed the Civic traveling at approximately 105 m.p.h. on St. Charles Road near North Avenue. The officer activated his emergency lights in an effort to stop the defendants, but the vehicle, allegedly driven by Williams, continued to flee at a high rate of speed. The Civic was spike-stripped as it entered I-290 eastbound and it lost some of its tires while on I-290. At I-290 and Butterfield Road, Williams opened the door and threw a loaded, black Glock 23, .40 caliber, semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine, a switch to render the firearm fully automatic and one bullet in the chamber underneath the vehicle. The gun was later recovered by police. After the Civic crashed into a median at I-290 and Mannheim Road, both men allegedly attempted to flee on foot but were taken into custody. When the defendants were taken into custody, they both had reprogrammable key fobs on their person and Hoes allegedly punched an officer in the face. The officer was taken to the hospital for medical treatment and was subsequently released. Further investigation found that the Honda was allegedly stolen out of Chicago.
“It is alleged that in the middle of the night, Mr. Williams and Mr. Hoes violently robbed at gunpoint a gas station clerk who was just trying to make an honest living. Additionally, the allegations that the defendants in this case then led police on a dangerous high-speed chase, reaching speeds of more than 100 m.p.h. and putting the public and the officers involved at great risk, are alarming. In DuPage County we will not allow violent crimes, as is alleged in this case, to terrorize our communities and anyone suspected of such actions will be arrested, charged and prosecuted. Thankfully, the clerk was not physically injured. I thank the Bensenville Police Department for their outstanding work on this case as well as our partners in law enforcement from neighboring agencies for their assistance. Their cooperative efforts led to the safe apprehension of the defendants. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Rob Willis and Michael Pingaj for their efforts in securing charges against these two defendants.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert B. Berlin
“The community extends its sincere gratitude to the dedicated officers of the Bensenville Police Department, along with our surrounding law enforcement partners, for their swift and professional response to yesterday’s vehicle pursuit,” Swanson said. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts, training, and unwavering commitment to public safety demonstrated by all responding personnel, the situation was brought to a safe and controlled resolution. Their actions helped protect residents, minimize risk, and ensure the incident was handled with the highest level of professionalism. We also recognize and deeply appreciate the assistance provided by neighboring agencies. Their teamwork, communication, and collaboration were instrumental in achieving a positive outcome. Finally, we thank State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and his team for their continued guidance and support throughout this case. Their ongoing commitment to charging and prosecuting individuals who demonstrate a blatant disregard for public safety sends a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in DuPage County.”
— Bensenville Chief of Police Brad Swanson
The next scheduled court appearance for both men is scheduled for April 6, 2026, in front of Judge Mia McPherson. If convicted, both defendants face a minimum penalty of twenty-one years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendants’ guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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