Man Charged in ‘Brazen' Kidnapping of Wheaton College Student As Hunt for 2 ‘Armed and Dangerous' Suspects Continues

The suspects drove to several ATMs and withdrew more than $1,500 from the victim’s bank account

One of three men accused in the “brazen” kidnapping and robbery of a Wheaton College student last week has been arrested and charged as the hunt for the remaining suspects continues.

Prosecutors claim a 21-year-old student was terrorized for an hour and half, trapped inside a vehicle while his alleged kidnappers went on a crime spree that spanned from the suburbs to Chicago.

The victim had just left a Starbucks in downtown Glen Ellyn and was walking to class just before 10 a.m. on Aug. 26 when he was allegedly approached by a small SUV with three men inside, prosecutors said. Two of the men exited the vehicle, allegedly displayed a handgun and ordered the victim into the car.

The three then drove to several ATMs and withdrew more than $1,500 from the victim’s bank account using his ATM card, officials said. They then drove to Chicago and just before 11:30 a.m. released the victim.

The student ran to the nearest building and called 911, authorities said.

An investigation by several agencies led to 18-year-old Abeet Ramos’ arrest Tuesday.

Ramos, accused of being the getaway driver in the case, was charged with aggravated kidnapping, aggravated armed robbery and aggravated unlawful restraint in connection with the alleged kidnapping that happened in broad daylight in a Chicago suburb, authorities announced Friday.

jeremy wheaton kidnapping
DuPage County State's Attorney
Police say they are looking for 23-year-old Jeremy Jones in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a Wheaton College student.

Police say his alleged accomplices, who are considered armed and dangerous, are still on the loose. Authorities said Friday they are searching for 23-year-old Jeremy Jones and an unnamed juvenile.

“The allegations against Mr. Ramos and his alleged accomplices are completely outrageous,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement. “The brazen abduction of an innocent man at gunpoint in broad daylight will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law.”

Ramos, who was out on bond for another crime in Kane County when the alleged kidnapping took place, appeared in court Friday and his bond was set at $3 million. He is expected to appear in court again Sept. 13.

It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.

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