Elmhurst Man Attacks Woman During Theft: Cops

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst man attacked a woman and stole two bags from her last month, police said.

Nicholas Santiago, 52, who lives on Concord Avenue just south of the Elmhurst city limit, faces two counts of theft.

Patch obtained the full police report through a public records request.

The victim was an 18-year-old woman, police said. On the afternoon of July 24, she was near the old Krave Restaurant parking lot at St. Charles Road and Route 83, according to the report. She was with a 20-year-old man.

Police said Santiago, who is more than twice the woman's size, approached her and dragged her. She said she had a knife, but Santiago grabbed it and twisted it back, then stole the bags, police said. He drove away in a Subaru Outback.

Minutes later, Elmhurst police said they received word that Santiago got into a crash in Villa Park. Through witnesses, police determined that Santiago was the one who stole the bags, the report said.

An officer asked Santiago about what happened at St. Charles and Route 83. He repeatedly denied anything occurred.

The officer then told Santiago that something happened, which is why he sped away and got into a crash. He continued his denials.

Unprompted, Santiago later said, "I'm an Elmhurst resident. I have been living there for 12 years. I always interact with you guys on the real. I'm not trying to be an a------. Just, I'm also not trying to stick my foot in my mouth," according to the report.

He said he would remain silent and not speak without a lawyer. Later, he was said to have told an officer, "I'm sorry to ruin your day. You don't plan for these kinds of things to happen."

According to the report, Santiago gave the two bags to a resident near the site of the crash. Santiago just told the person to take the items, which the resident did.

The bags contained a wallet, clothing, food and personal hygiene products, police said.

Santiago was released on bond.