Man Stole Cash Register From McDonald's On Broadway Street: JPD

JOLIET — The Joliet Police Department made an arrest on Wednesday night inside the McDonald's restaurant on North Broadway Street, but this crime had nothing to do with someone stealing those delicious French fries from the tray. In this case, 20-year-old Alexander Gonzalez-Ruiz of Joliet is accused of stealing the entire cash register from the counter of the McDonald's, after claiming that he was the fast-food restaurant's owner.

Joliet police arrested Gonzalez-Ruiz on charges of theft, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, two counts of battery and obstructing a peace officer. Joliet police let Gonzalez go after the booking process. He was given his notice to appear at the Will County Courthouse.

What exactly happened while the McDonald's remained busy, serving food to its customers?

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, at 6:53 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the McDonald’s at 1555 North Broadway St. for a theft. Officers learned that a man, later identified as Gonzalez-Ruiz, had entered the restaurant, and began making threats to the staff and began acting erratically, indicating that he owned the restaurant, police said.

Police believe Gonzalez-Ruiz pushed past two female employees and walked behind the counter and grabbed a cash register and fled from the store through the drive-thru window.

According to English, an officer found Gonzalez-Ruiz nearby on Theodore Street and noted that he was still in possession of the cash register. As the officer approached, police said Gonzalez-Ruiz climbed on top of a vehicle stopped in traffic.

Gonzalez-Ruiz dropped the cash register and ran from the officer, who quickly caught up to him and placed him into custody without further incident, police said.