Harrah's Purse Snatcher Steals Sooper Lube Worker's Wallet: JPD

JOLIET, IL — A 21-year-old Joliet resident from the 1300 block of John Street is now in Will County's Jail following his arrest in connection with a recent purse-snatching at the Harrah's Casino in downtown Joliet.

On Saturday, Joliet police book Antonio Lewis Jr. in custody on charges of aggravated robbery plus two other unrelated criminal cases. Bail for Lewis stands at $30,000.

According to Joliet police:

Around 10:35 a.m. on Feb. 7, officers learned of a theft inside Harrah's Casino.

Lewis approached a woman as she played a slot machine and forcefully grabbed her purse from her and ran off.

A casino security guard stopped Lewis with the purse, but Lewis got away and escaped the property.

The Harrah's casino victim was not injured, and casino security did recover the victim's purse.

As for his two other crimes, Joliet police say Lewis is charged with possession of another person's credit-debit card and for theft.

Around 12:20 p.m. Saturday, Joliet police learned of a theft at the Aaron’s Sales and Lease store, 918 West Jefferson Street. Joliet police say the thief was stealing money from the cash register while the store employee was distracted.

By 2 p.m., Joliet police were sent to the City Tavern at 1329 West Jefferson about a stolen credit card.

Joliet police say Lewis had been at the Sooper Lube, 1111 West Jefferson St., asking for a job application. A short time later, the woman who worked there discovered her wallet was missing after being notified one of her credit cards was being used at City Tavern.

Joliet police say they found Lewis at City Tavern, and he had the victim’s credit cards.

"During Lewis’ arrest at City Tavern, officers also positively identified him as the suspect who stole cash from Aaron’s Sales and Lease earlier in the day," police spokesman Dwayne English announced in Monday's press release.