Arrest Made After Basinger's Pharmacy Employee Hits The Panic Button, Joliet Police Arrive Quickly

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department announced that a 53-year-old man who hails from Chicago has been arrested following last week's incident of violence behavior inside the Basinger's Pharmacy at 2219 West Jefferson Street.

According to police spokesman Dwayne English, at 3:01 p.m. on May 7, the officers responded to Basinger’s Pharmacy for a report of a disturbance. Responding officers were advised that a panic alarm had been activated at the business.

Upon arrival, officers learned Talib Muhammad, 53, of Chicago, had entered the store and tried to leave with several items without paying for them, English noted.

After being confronted by employees, Muhammad allegedly returned the merchandise to the shelves and purchased a bag of chips before leaving the business. A short time later, Muhammad returned to the store and was told to leave by employees. During the disturbance, Muhammad allegedly picked up a credit card machine and threw it at a female employee, striking her in the face before fleeing the scene, English announced.

Following a canvass of the area, officers located Muhammad in a guest room at the Star Inn at 2219 1/2 West Jefferson Street. Officers took Muhammad into custody following a brief struggle in which he tensed his body and pulled away from officers. While officers attempted to place Muhammad into a squad vehicle, he continued to resist and kicked an officer in the face, the arrest report showed.

During transport to the Joliet Police Department, Muhammad remained belligerent and made multiple threats toward officers, English emphasized.

Muhammad was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, battery, assault, disorderly conduct and criminal trespass. He was processed at the Joliet Police Department and released on a Notice to Appear in court.