Accused Retail Thief Injures Woman Fleeing Jewel: Cops

A retail thief was found hiding in a condo building after he had just knocked a woman over fleeing the store, reports said.

Oak Lawn police answered a call of a man possibly hiding in a condominium building in the 8800 block of South Mobile around 5:54 p.m. Oct. 6.

Residents told police that the man, later identified as Yassar Ali, 33, of Burbank, ran through the front door and they didn’t believe he lived in the building, police said.

Ali was taken into custody and led from the building. The caller, an employee at Jewel Osco, 8801 S, Ridgeland Ave.m was still on the line and positively identified Ali.

Police said they found some stolen merchandise that came from Jewel searching Ali. Ali allegedly told police multiple times, “I’ll give the stuff back if she’ll let me go.”

Police said the recovered items amounted to $16.20.

While officers were still at condominium building, the Jewel manager said Ali pushed a woman to the floor and injured her as he fled the store, reports said.

The woman told police she was leaving the store the same time as Ali when he allegedly used his arm to push her, knocking her into the door and on to the floor. She suffered injuries to her arm, leg and back.

Police said that a Jewel employee saw Ali concealing items and flee the store without paying. She immediately called police and relayed his location in the condominium building behind the store.

Ali was charged with battery and retail theft. His next court hearing is Nov. 18 in Bridgeview.