Two Chicago men, Kawann Moore and Richard Pegue, face multiple charges after stealing chainsaws from a truck and leading police on a high-speed chase through the suburbs. The pursuit ended with their arrests near a school zone after an armed homeowner held one at gunpoint.
CHICAGO, IL (3-minute read) — Two Chicago men are facing serious charges after allegedly stealing two chainsaws from a truck and leading police on a high-speed chase through the Chicago suburbs on Wednesday afternoon. The suspects, Kawann Moore, 39, and Richard Pegue, 35, are charged with multiple counts including burglary and aggravated fleeing from law enforcement.
At approximately 12:17 p.m., Lombard police received a report of a burglary at 125 S. Lombard Avenue, where two chainsaws, valued at about $200 each, were stolen from a motor vehicle. Shortly thereafter, an Oak Brook police officer identified a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the theft near 31st Street and Midwest Club Parkway.
When the officer started following the vehicle, a gold minivan driven by Moore, the suspects began driving into oncoming traffic near 39th Street and Glendenning Road. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens, prompting Moore to flee at high speeds.
The chase escalated dangerously as Moore allegedly reached speeds of 120 mph on Interstate 55, nearly colliding with a motorcyclist. The pursuit continued on Ogden Avenue, where Moore reportedly hit speeds of 100 mph in a 35 mph zone, disregarding multiple traffic control devices.
The pursuit came to an end near 80th Place and Howard Avenue in Willow Springs, where both suspects exited the vehicle on foot in a school zone while children were outside for recess. Pegue was quickly apprehended near the school after a brief chase. Moore, however, fled into a nearby wooded area.
A homeowner reported to 911 that he was holding Moore at gunpoint after discovering him hiding in his backyard where his nine-year-old child was playing. Moore managed to escape back into the wooded area but was eventually taken into custody by authorities. The stolen chainsaws were found inside the minivan during a search.
Further investigation revealed that Pegue had allegedly stolen the chainsaws from the bed of the truck before entering the minivan driven by Moore, who then fled the scene. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed grave concerns about the defendants’ actions, highlighting the extreme risk to public safety posed by their high-speed escape and the proximity to children during the foot pursuit.
Both suspects were denied pre-trial release, and their next court appearance is scheduled for June 10.
Safety Tip: Always stay vigilant about your surroundings, especially in areas where children are present. In high-stress situations, remain calm and prioritize safety over escalation.
