Man Arrested for Stealing Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief’s SUV
Aaron Johnson, 49, was arrested for allegedly stealing a Chicago Fire Department battalion chief’s fully-marked SUV from a firehouse near the Magnificent Mile and taking it on a joyride to Edgewater. The incident occurred on April 1, and Johnson was initially released with instructions to appear in court a week later. However, he was recently re-arrested on an active warrant issued after he failed to show up for his court date.
The theft took place when the chief of Battalion 1 parked the unmistakable Chicago Fire Department SUV in front of Station 98 on East Chicago Avenue. The vehicle went missing shortly after, prompting a quick response from the police and the battalion chief. The SUV’s GPS tracking led them to Glenwood and Farwell avenues on the North Side, where they found Johnson behind the wheel.
When confronted by the chief and the police, Johnson turned off the vehicle and surrendered the keys. He allegedly admitted to taking the SUV for a joyride, claiming he was “having fun.” Surveillance footage captured Johnson entering the SUV outside the firehouse before driving away.
Despite being charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle, which is a non-detainable felony under the SAFE-T Act, Johnson was released that evening with a court date for April 8. However, he failed to appear in court, leading to an arrest warrant and his recent re-arrest. He has been released again to await trial.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar theft two years ago when attorney Benjamin Herrington stole a Chicago Fire Department ambulance from a firehouse in Chinatown. The incident sparked a 75-mile police chase to Dwight, Illinois, and Herrington ultimately pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
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