Parolee Accused of Pocketing Sandwich Fixings From Jewel

OAK LAWN, IL — A Wisconsin man who was later found to have an active warrant for violating his parole was arrested after police observed him walking out of an Oak Lawn supermarket with several small items, reports said. Daniel Luedke, 55, was charged with retail theft, possession of a controlled substance and obstruction of justice.

Luedke first drew attention around 10:15 p.m. on Feb. 13, when an Oak Lawn detective conducting a business check claimed he saw Luedke picking up a discarded receipt in front of Jewel-Osco, 9424 S. Pulaski Road. Concerned that Luedke might take corresponding merchandise on the receipt to make a fraudulent return, the detective followed Luedke around Jewel for 30 minutes. During that time, Luedke allegedly pocketed several items before leaving the store, reports said.

The detective approached Luedke outside of Jewel. According to the report, Luedke appeared nervous and denied stealing anything. Luedke also gave the officer a fake name. Among the items Luedke is accused of stealing are bread rolls, lunch meat, a package of cheese, mustard and pickles.

A Wisconsin ID showed Luedke’s real name. Luedke allegedly admitted to having a felony warrant from June 2018 for a parole violation. Police also claim to have found two bags of suspected heroin in Luedke’s pocket, which was sent to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab. Reports said that Luedke refused to speak to police at the Oak Lawn police station.

Luedke is currently on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections for filing a false report, retail theft, obstruction of justice and destroying property, according to state records. He’s due back in court March 5 in Bridgeview.