Mom Attempts Escape from Police Station with 4-Year-Old Son: Prosecutor

Tasha Thorton, 31 | Cook County Sheriff

Oak Lawn, IL, June 16, 2016 -- A Chicago woman wanted in Wisconsin tried to escape from the Oak Lawn police station with her young son in tow, prosecutors said Wednesday in court.
Tasha Thorton, 30, was booked on a felony charge of aggravated battery to a police officer. She was also charged with obstructing ID, child endangerment, resisting arrest and escape, all misdemeanors.
According to the charges, Thorton was a passenger in a vehicle on June 13 near 87th Street and Pulaski because her 4-year-old son was not wearing a seat belt.
While police were questioning the vehicle’s occupants, Thorton allegedly gave a fake name. The officer soon learned her identity and that she had warrants for her arrest out of Wisconsin.
At the station, police allowed her to use the phone to make arrangements for her son. She grabbed her son and tried to escape, the prosecutor said.
She was apprehended and handcuffed. The prosecutor said she got her hands out of the cuffs and punched an officer in the chest, before trying to flee again.
Thorton’s long rap sheet includes multiple misdemeanor arrests for prostitution, resisting arrest, theft, bail jumping, criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct with a battery, the prosecutor said.
The assistant public defender told the judge that although unemployed, Thorton has two job offers at a pizza restaurant and food market. He also requested a photo order for injuries she suffered while in police custody.
Bail was set at $75,000. Thorton is due back in court June 30 in Bridgeview.