Notorious Joliet Shoplifter Faces 9 Felony Charges: Police

JOLIET, IL — A 44-year-old Joliet man who stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Jewel, Walmart, Walgreens, PetSmart and Hobby Lobby is now in the Will County Jail facing nine counts of felony retail theft, Joliet police announced.

Monte Alexander was brought to the Will County Jail on Tuesday, Oct. 3, where's being detained on a $250,000 bail. Cash bail is in place for Alexander because Joliet police obtained the warrants for his arrest prior to the new law that abolishes cash bail for Illinois defendants.

Alexander lives on the city's west side, in the Marycrest Area, the 200 block of South Hammes Avenue.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English announced that the following crimes were committed by Alexander since July:

• On July 9, at 12:04 p.m., officers responded to Jewel, 1537 North Larkin Avenue, for a retail theft. Alexander entered the store, placed over $400 worth of merchandise in a shopping cart and then left without paying.

• Also on July 9, at 8:24 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart, 2424 West Jefferson Street, for a second retail theft. Alexander entered the store, placed over $300 worth of merchandise in a shopping cart and then left without paying.
• On July 12, at 12:51 p.m., officers responded to the Walgreens at 2101 West Jefferson Street for a retail theft. Alexander entered the store, placed over $500 worth of merchandise in shopping bags and then left without paying.
• On Aug. 12, at 7:58 p.m., officers responded to PetSmart at 2775 Plainfield Road, for a retail theft. Alexander entered the store, placed over $1,000 worth of merchandise in a shopping cart and then left without paying. After that crime, Joliet police found Alexander and placed him into custody shortly after the incident. Alexander was taken to the Ascension St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department and a prisoner hold was placed on him. Officers were notified by hospital officials that Alexander escaped from the hospital about an hour later.

• On August 30, at 7:37 p.m., officers responded to the Walmart at 2424 West Jefferson Street for a retail theft. Alexander entered the store, selected over $700 worth of merchandise, and then left without paying.
• On September 1, at 9:12 a.m., officers responded to the Hobby Lobby at 1400 North Larkin Avenue for a retail theft. Officers determined that on August 30, Alexander entered the store, selected over $1,000 worth of merchandise, and then left without paying.
• Then, on Oct. 3, Alexander was captured again.
• Joliet officers spotted Alexander in the 100 block of North Hickory Street at 3:37 p.m. and Alexander running, but the officers quickly caught up to him and made the arrest.