Authorities in Kewanee have arrested two men from Michigan following a reported theft from the Kewanee Walmart and subsequent police pursuit. The suspects face charges ranging from burglary and conspiracy to resisting arrest, unlawful possession of ammunition, and several traffic violations. Both men are currently being held at the Henry County Jail as local police continue their investigation. Officials encourage anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Kewanee Police Department at 309-853-1911.
Kewanee Police responded to a report of theft in progress around 1:09 PM today, November 19, 2025, at the Kewanee Walmart. Officers arrived to find a male in the electronics section matching the description of a known theft suspect. The subject ran from the store, escaping into a waiting white sedan. The vehicle fled north on Tenney Street as officers gave brief pursuit, which was halted for safety reasons. Soon after, the suspect vehicle crashed in the 600 block of North Main Street. Both individuals fled on foot but were quickly apprehended. The driver is identified as Ramone Gordon, 20, from Harper Woods, Michigan. The passenger is identified as Demarco Johnson, 19, from Detroit, Michigan.
Walmart’s loss-prevention teams indicate that the two suspects are believed to be involved in a series of thefts at stores across several states. Detectives are now collaborating with law enforcement agencies and Walmart’s corporate security to track the suspects’ movements and uncover the extent of their alleged activities. Surveillance footage and evidence are being reviewed from multiple locations.
Both individuals have been charged with:
- Burglary (Class 2 felony) Punishable by 3–7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, a fine up to $25,000, and 2 years of mandatory supervised release.
- Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Burglary (Class 1 felony) Punishable by 4–15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, a fine up to $25,000, and 3 years of mandatory supervised release.
- Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer (Class A misdemeanor) is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition Without a Valid FOID Card (Class A misdemeanor) is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
Ramone Gorden (driver) has been charged with:
- Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer (Class 4 felony) Punishable by 1–3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, a fine up to $25,000, and driver’s license revocation.
- Reckless Driving (Class A misdemeanor) Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Aggravated Speeding in a School Zone – 26 mph or more over the posted limit (Class A misdemeanor) Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
The Kewanee Police Department release said, “The Kewanee Police Department extends its appreciation to the Henry County Sheriff’s Department for their immediate assistance in establishing a perimeter and helping to locate the suspects following the crash, as well as to Walmart loss-prevention personnel for their cooperation. The combined efforts of all responding agencies resulted in the safe apprehension of
the suspects with no injuries to the public or officers.”
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
