Accused Batterer Breaks Out Squad Car Window, Escapes and Turns Himself In

JOLIET, IL — A 22-year-old man broke out the window of a squad car and escaped into the night only to turn himself in the next day.

Police say a 23-year-old woman claimed she was hit by Kardan D. Mitchell at her home in the 1800 block of Asbury at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. A 22-year-old friend witnessed the incident.

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Joliet Police Department Deputy Chief Ed Gregory said police had probable cause to make an arrest, but Mitchell, of the 1900 block of Moore in Joliet, had fled the scene.

Mitchell was located a short time later. Police handcuffed him and placed him into a squad car.

“Mitchell began hitting the rear passenger side window with his head and shoulders,” Gregory said. “As the officer was stopping the squad, the window shattered and Mitchell climbed out and started to flee westbound on the 200 block of South Raynor."

Gregory said suspects are handcuffed with their hands behind their back. It is unknown if Mitchell managed to get his hands to the front or if he fled the squad cuffed from the back.

The officer began to give chase, but then realized he hadn’t placed his car in park, Gregory said. By the time he went to chase Mitchell again, he was gone.

Police set up a perimeter and attempted to locate Mitchell, but were unsuccessful.

The next day, Joliet police received a call at around 9:30 a.m. from the Will County Sheriff’s Office saying that Mitchell had turned himself in.

After Joliet police picked Mitchell up, he complained of pain and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. He was brought back to the station around 4 p.m. and processed.

He has been charged with criminal damage to police property, obstructing justice, domestic battery and theft by threat.

Mitchell is now lodged in the Will County jail.