'Off-Her-Meds' Woman Has Meltdown at Subway, Pepper Sprays Employee: Prosecutor

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- A 23-year-old woman was arrested after she pepper-sprayed a fast food employee and knocked out the restaurant’s window, prosecutors said in court.

Jessica Mims, of Chicago, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a charges of unlawful use of a weapon and criminal damage to property. She was also charged with operating an uninsured vehicle and illegal transportation of alcohol.

Around 10:05 p.m. Jan. 3, Mims entered Subway, 9838 S. Western Ave., Evergreen Park, and asked to use the restroom. She left without purchasing any food, the prosecutor said.

A short time late, the prosecutor said returned and told the employee she needed to be let back into the restroom because she left some money behind, The employee went to the restroom with Mims to look for the lost money but they did not find it.

The prosecutor said Mims then accused the employee of stealing the money. The two got into a physical altercation when Mims allegedly sprayed with employee with pepper spray.

On her way out of the restaurant, Mims allegedly knocked out a window. The employee was treated and released at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park.

Damages to the window at Subway were estimated at $600, including a $275 board-up fee, the prosecutor said.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Mims has a history of schizophrenia and depression. She was not taking her meds the evening of the incident. Mims said she would her medications if released.

A public safety assessment recommended release with no conditions.

“I wonder how the person who got sprayed with pepper spray would feel about that,” Judge Felice said.

Bail was set at $25,000. The judge also ordered random drug testing should Mims bond out.

“Don’t go back to that Subway,” Judge Felice said.

Mims next court appearance is set for Jan. 19 in Bridgeview.