A tragic incident in Chicago has left a family grieving after a 40-year-old man was killed in a crash linked to a robbery at a luxury store. Mark Arceta was on his way to work last week when his vehicle was struck by a getaway car involved in a smash-and-grab at the Louis Vuitton store on Michigan Avenue.
The robbery took place when a group of suspects drove a pickup truck through the store’s windows, stealing around $700,000 worth of merchandise. Dejuan Wingard, the 30-year-old driver of the getaway vehicle, was reportedly speeding at nearly 100 miles per hour when he collided with Arceta’s car.
Among the seven suspects charged in this case is Kellen McMiller, a 35-year-old man who had recently posed for a photo with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. McMiller, who was involved in community violence prevention efforts as a “peacekeeper,” now faces serious charges, including murder and burglary. Authorities noted that he has outstanding warrants in four states: Illinois, Florida, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
The photo of McMiller with Pritzker was taken just a week before the robbery and was later removed from the governor’s office website following the news of McMiller’s alleged involvement in the crime. Pritzker had met with community peacekeepers in Englewood, emphasizing their role in reducing violence and opposing federal intervention in local crime issues.
Arceta’s death is particularly heartbreaking as he never got to meet his newborn son, who was born just a day after the fatal crash. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of community programs aimed at preventing violence, especially given that several of the suspects had prior arrests.
As discussions about crime and policing continue, Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have called for more funding for violence interruption programs, arguing that community efforts are essential in addressing the city’s crime problems. Meanwhile, former President Trump has hinted at deploying National Guard troops to assist with crime in Chicago, a move that has sparked debate about the best approach to public safety.
