Tools Stolen From Menards On Jefferson Street, Arrest Made

JOLIET, IL — A 52-year-old Chicago man who claims he has been staying at one of Joliet's homeless shelters was arrested Tuesday in connection with the theft of expensive tools at the Menards store on West Jefferson Street. Joliet police arrested 52-year-old Leroy Burton on retail theft charges on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers were called to the Menards and employees notified Joliet police that a thief had stolen two power drills and exited the business without paying for the items.

"A short time later, an Officer located a male that matched the description of the suspect in the 2600 block of West Jefferson Street and identified him as Burton," police reports show. "While speaking with Burton, officers observed what appeared to be brand new power drills protruding from the top of an open backpack that Burton was carrying. Burton was taken into custody after being positively identified by Menards staff."

A Will County judge set bail for Burton at $5,000. As of Thursday, he remained inside the county detention facility unable to post the 10 percent bond.