Three accused armed carjackers denied bail in DuPage County court – Cardinal News

DuPage County Prosecutor Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick announced Sunday, September 29, 2024, that Judge Robert Gibson has granted the state's motion to deny pretrial release for three men , who are accused of robbing a Downers Grove man of his property and vehicle at gunpoint on September 28, 2024. Javari Williams, 18, of 15200 block of Turlington Avenue, Harvey; Tremaine Nelson, 18, of the 3400 block of Rhode Island Court, Gary, Indiana; and Tyray Hemphill, 22, of the 6400 block of S. Oakley, Chicago, each appeared in First Appearance Court this morning charged with one count of armed robbery with a firearm, one count of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm and one count Grand Theft Vehicle Charge – Victim over sixty, all Class X felonies.

On September 27, 2024, at approximately 6:50 p.m., DuPage County Sheriff's deputies responded to 36th and Fairview Avenue in unincorporated Downers Grove for a report of an armed robbery of a motor vehicle that had just occurred. After speaking with the victim – a man in his sixties – authorities learned that a black 2006 Dodge Charger was allegedly involved in the robbery.

Downers Grove Police arrived on scene and were able to locate the Charger and the victim's vehicle, a 2006 Silver Chrysler 300 SRT, in the area. Officers began pursuing the two vehicles and after a short time the driver of the Dodge Charger crashed on Route 83 in Hinsdale. After the accident, four occupants of the Charger allegedly exited the vehicle and walked northbound on the shoulder of Route 83. A Hinsdale police officer approached the four individuals, whereupon three of them, later identified as defendants, climbed over a wooden fence and fled, while the fourth individual allegedly claimed he was the victim of a robbery and ultimately evaded prosecution.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies immediately set up a cordon and took the three defendants into custody after a brief search. Nelson was reportedly in a window well in the 500 block of North Quincy Avenue in Hinsdale. In the same window well, police officers found a loaded .40-caliber Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun with a bullet in the chamber. Williams and Hemphill were also allegedly discovered on the same property. Two additional handguns were also found, including a loaded Glock 23 Gen 4 with an extended magazine.

After investigating the case, the victim had agreed with a person named “Reyes” to sell his car through the “Offer up” sales application. Reyes and the victim allegedly met at the victim's house and took a test drive. After the test drive, Reyes persuaded the victim to walk down the street to meet a friend who had a tow truck. Allegedly, as the victim and Reyes walked down the street, the victim turned around and walked back to his car. At this point, the defendants, who had driven the Charger up to the victim's car, exited the Charger and ran toward the victim with guns drawn. The defendants then allegedly pointed their guns at the victim's head, back and groin and searched his pockets to steal his wallet, car keys, a gold chain, a watch and a cell phone. The defendants then allegedly pushed the victim to the ground, told him, “Don't you fucking move,” and then fled in the victim's car and Charger. Authorities also learned that the Dodge Charger “chase car” the car thieves used was reported stolen out of Chicago on September 23, 2024.

“The allegations that Javari Williams, Tremain Nelson and Tyray Hemphill violently robbed an innocent man of his car, pointed three guns at him and attempted to hide in a residential neighborhood are chilling. We are all grateful that no physical harm was caused to the victim in this case. The quick apprehension of the defendants in this case demonstrates DuPage County law enforcement's commitment to public safety and willingness to work together to ensure the safety of all of our residents. I commend Sheriff Mendrick and his office, as well as the Downers Grove and Hinsdale Police Departments, for their outstanding efforts that led to the arrest of the defendants in this case. I also thank Assistant District Attorneys Michael Pingaj and Philip Ungar for their efforts to bring charges against the men allegedly responsible for this violent robbery.”

– Robert B. Berlin, DuPage County District Attorney

“This type of violent crime will not be tolerated. DuPage County will continue to arrest anyone who contributes to gun violence in our county. I would like to thank the Berlin public prosecutor and his team for bringing appropriate charges in this case.”

– James Mendrick, DuPage County Sheriff

The investigation into this matter is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the DuPage County Sheriff's Office at (630) 407-2400.

The next court date for all three defendants is scheduled for October 28, 2024 for arraignment.

The public is reminded that this lawsuit contains only accusations and does not constitute evidence of the defendant's guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's responsibility to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

– DuPage County District Attorney’s Office

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