Jewel Shoplifter On Jefferson Becomes Violent During Crime: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 24-year-old Plainfield man was arrested this week in connection with a shoplifting incident at the Jewel Osco at 1401 West Jefferson Street. Joliet police say Owen Thompson became violent when the pair of store security guards tried to escort him back to an office.

As a result of Monday morning's incident, Owen Thompson was arrested by Joliet police on charges of retail theft, two counts of battery and two counts of assault.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said the following events led to Thompson's capture:

• At 8:31 a.m., officers responded to Jewel Osco for a retail theft. By that point, Thompson was already detained by security. Officers determined that Thompson was spotted placing merchandise in a backpack and then attempted to leave the store without paying.
• When security confronted Thompson, the Plainfield man began removing the merchandise from his bag. When security officers attempted to escort Thompson to an office, Thompson pushed two security officers and tried to run out of the store.
• The security officers caught up to Thompson in the store at which time Thompson attempted punching both security officers but missed. Thompson was then detained and Joliet police were called to the scene. Thompson was placed into custody without incident.

Joliet police say Thompson was released on a notice to appear in court. The Plainfield man comes from the 16000 block of South Legion Court.