Woodridge Detective Dragged By Car After Driver Stole 18 Bottles Of Vodka From Target: Police

WOODRIDGE, IL — A Chicago man faces felony charges after police say he dragged a Woodridge police officer with his car after stealing 18 bottles of Tito's vodka from Target.

Deandrae Walker, 36, was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, burglary, retail theft, criminal damage to government supported property, aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting a police officer and causing injury in connection with the March 10 incident.

He was also charged with misdemeanors that included driving with a suspended license, criminal damage to property and operating an uninsured motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

Around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Woodridge detectives were conducting surveillance of the Target at 2333 63rd St. when they saw Walker leave the store without having paid for the vodka, which was valued at $623.33, a news release said.

Police say Walker started to put the vodka in a Kia SUV when the detectives drove up to him in an unmarked car, identifying themselves as police officers, before Walker got into the SUV via its passenger side.

Walker is accused of trying to close the vehicle's driver's side door and getting into the driver's seat after an officer opened the door and told him to get out.

According to prosecutors, the detective had his foot in the driver's side door well when Walker put the car into drive and told the detective to get off of the car.

Walker is accused of driving forward "a few inches" while the detective's foot was still in the foot well and then stopping and driving off "at a high rate of speed," the news release said.

Police say Walker dragged the detective until the detective fell onto the ground by the unmarked police car, which Walker side-swiped with his car.

The detective was taken to a hospital and treated for injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening.

The Kia was spotted in Berwyn shortly after, where Forest Park police pursued him before arresting him.

"Because of the alleged actions of Mr. Walker, an
investigation into the theft of more than $600 dollars’ worth of alcohol, turned violent and potentially deadly in just a matter of seconds,” DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said in a statement.

He added, “Thankfully neither the officer, who suffered
non-life-threatening injuries and is on the mend, nor any other officers or innocent bystanders were injured by Mr. Walker’s alleged attempt to flee the scene. I commend the Woodridge Police Department for their efforts in this matter and wish a complete and speedy recovery to the injured officer."

Woodridge Police chief Tom Stefanson said, "Woodridge and DuPage County are safe communities, and this
type of lawless behavior and disregard for human life has no place here. I am grateful that our officer was not more
seriously injured and is now home recuperating."

Walker is set to appear in court on April 6.