Shelter Volunteer Slugged After Confrontation Over Rules: Cops

OAK LAWN, IL -- A man was arrested after he allegedly slugged a 79-year-old volunteer at an Oak Lawn homeless shelter. John Steiner, 53, of Oak Forest, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a charge of aggravated battery to a person over age 60.

According to the complaint, Steiner showed up for a meal on April 21 at the BEDS Plus homeless shelter at Trinity Lutheran Church, 9701 S. Brandt Ave. in Oak Lawn. During the meal, Steiner allegedly got into a confrontation with the volunteer. The prosecutor said Steiner and the volunteer had two prior verbal confrontations because Steiner wasn’t following the rules.

Steiner allegedly slugged the volunteer in the arm with a closed fist. Steiner left the shelter but was followed by another volunteer who urged him to come back, the prosecutor said. He was picked up by Oak Lawn police a few blocks away. The volunteer positively identified Steiner as the man who allegedly hit her.

The prosecutor said Steiner has 10 misdemeanor convictions, including electronic harassment, battery and resisting arrest, among others.

The assistant public defender said Steiner is currently renting an apartment in Oak Forest. He’s a small business owner with his own TV repair business.

Felice set bail at $300,000. Steiner is due back in court May 11 in Bridgeview.

“You are not to go to that shelter anymore,” the judge said.