Harrah's Casino Catches Buffet Line Bandit

JOLIET, IL - There is a flashing neon sign in front of the Joliet Harrah's Casino, but it does not proclaim "FREE FOOD FOR ALL. FREE FOOD FOR ALL." But that didn't stop 21-year-old Joshua Foster from visiting the downtown Joliet entertainment facility on multiple occasions this month to help himself to the casino's buffet, according to Joliet police.

On several occasions, Foster ran out of the casino's restaurant before the security team caught him. It was a game of cat and mouse and on Wednesday, Harrah's casino caught Foster on their property and notified the Joliet police.

Deputy Police Chief Ed Gregory said Foster visited the Harrah's Casino at about 3 p.m. November 19. But he was not there to gamble. That afternoon, police said, Foster stole food from the food court, and when casino security tried to stop him, Foster took off running and got away. The next day, Nov. 20, Foster again returned to the casino to help himself to more free buffet food.

He got away again.

By that point, casino security had the opportunity to review video surveillance footage, but they still did not know the food thief's identity. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 28, Foster showed up again, Gregory said. This time, he ventured into the merchandise shop and stole body spray, Gatorade and other products. And once again, he got away.

When Foster re-entered Harrah's on Wednesday, Nov. 29, the casino's security force was ready for him. They grabbed him and called the Joliet police.

Foster has been charged with criminal trespass to property, retail theft and theft of services. But because the charges were misdemeanors, Foster was released on an I-Bond instead of being taken to Will County Jail, Gregory said.

Foster lives in the 1700 block of Delrose, police records show.

2015 mugshot via Will County Sheriff's Department