Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Police announced Friday the arrest of a teenager in connection late last week with the armed robbery of a pizza delivery driver.
According to police, a pizza delivery driver reported being robbed at gunpoint on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the 400 block of Navajo Street. The same driver reported being the victim of a second attempted armed robbery on August 21, 2017, at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the 100 block of Nashua Street.
Dalefonte Okafor-Smith, age 18, of Park Forest, was charged with armed robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery in Will County, and attempt armed robbery and vehicular invasion in Cook County, according to police.
An alleged 17-year-old juvenile accomplice has been petitioned to juvenile court in Will County for the offense of armed robbery, police said.
In a statement, police said, “Following intensive investigation by members of the Park Forest Police Department Investigations Unit, a firearm and significant evidence from the crime were recovered at the home of each defendant. The South Suburban Emergency Response Team (SSERT) executed a search warrant at one suspect’s home in connection with this investigation, and we thank them for their assistance.”
“It is disheartening, to say the least, that there are young people willing to throw away large portions of their adult life to gain so little,” police continued in the statement. “To our young men and women followers (referring to the PFPD’s followers on Facebook): Our actions have real consequences, for us and for those around us. You are worth so much more than a life locked-up. You can choose a path that leads to success, and we will be there to cheer you on.
“But we will vigorously pursue those who choose to commit criminal acts that victimize others.”
Directing their attention to the delivery driver, police said, “To our young victim who was robbed twice while working a part-time job: We’re sorry you had this experience, and we hope that the arrest of the offenders helps bring some closure. Keep doing what you’re doing by working hard and good things will come to you, even if there are bumps along the way.”
The statement concludes by reminding all that under the protections afforded by our judicial system, all defendants have the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.
