Chicago Man Believed To Be Serial Shoplifter In Custody: Cops

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — A Chicago man suspected to be a serial shoplifter was arrested for retail theft on Jan. 9 in Arlington Heights, police said. Darius Williams, 27, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of retail theft. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office also approved a felony retail theft charge. Wiliams is being held on $15,000 bail.

Deputy Chief Bill Czajkowski, of the Palos Heights Police Department, said that Williams is a suspect in a rash of retail thefts in the south suburbs. Police took three reports from Jewel-Osco, 12803 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights, in which a man later identified as Williams, allegedly filled a grocery cart with liquor and then quickly left the store. Czajkowski said after reviewing the store’s security video, officers quickly ascertained that it was the same person. Williams was also identified by Jewel-Osco employees, according to police.

An arrest warrant was issued for Williams. Czajkowski said Williams was arrested Jan. 9 in Arlington Heights on a felony retail theft charge.

“He’s reported to have hit other towns,” the deputy chief added. “He steals alcohol and runs out the door with it.”

Many supermarkets do not have on-site security causing some managers and employees to chase shoplifters outside.

“We prefer a good witness description,” Czajkowski said. “Our concern is that [retail thieves] may block employees or run them over. We can identify suspects through video and cars. Confrontations can become contentious and a tussle can ensue.”

Williams is due back in court Jan. 30.