Man Flees from Cops after Pot Bust: Police Blotter

SUNDAY, NOV. 11

Battery

Police were called to CVS Pharmacy, 400 Ogden Ave., around 11:46 a.m. for report of battery.

An off-duty manager told police he was struck in the face by a white, male customer. The victim said the man—about 45 years old—entered the store and suddenly accused the manager of pointing at him, police said.

When the manager asked the customer if he was okay, the man cursed at him and called him names, police said. The manager told the customer to leave the store, and advised an employee to call the police.

While the customer was leaving the store, he suddenly turned around and punched the manager in the throat with a closed fist, police said. The customer then fled the scene.

The offender was described as having unruly blonde hair, slightly receding with possible sideburns. He was wearing a dark Nike sweatshirt, dark blue jeans and white sneakers, police said. 

The man was last seen walking near the professional buildings in the 4100 block of Fairview Avenue. The manager said he would recognize the man, and would be willing to sign a complaint should he be found. 

SATURDAY, NOV. 10

Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Peace Officer

Matthew A. Engler, 37, of the 4400 block of Fairview Avenue in Downers Grove, was arrested around 12:26 a.m. in the 1600 block of Ogden Avenue, police said.

While on patrol, an officer noticed Engler standing near the front door of a business in the 1700 block of Ogden Avenue, even though the business had been closed for several hours. When the officer turned around, Engler began walking eastbound through the parking lot, the report states.

The officer exited his vehicle to talk to Engler, telling him he was stopped for being near the front of a closed business. Engler said he understood how it looked suspicious, and explained that he had an argument with his girlfriend and was dropped there randomly, police said.

While questioning Engler, the officer noticed a strong smell of marijuana, police said. When the officer told him to face the squad car and place his hands on his head, Engler reached into his sweatshirt pocket, removed a bag of marijuana and threw it approximately 25 feet onto Ogden Avenue, the report states.

Engler attempted to flee southbound through the parking lot, but was caught by the officer when he attempted to jump a vehicle gate at a nearby auto shop, police said. As he reached the gate, Engler discarded a small electronic scale, police said.

The officer struggled to pull Engler down from the gate, but pulled him back under when he fell to the ground, police said. According to the report, Engler continued to fight with the officer, even after he was told he was under arrest. He finally complied after the officer's third request.

Engler was charged with possession of cannabis, obstructing a peace officer, resisting a peace officer and attempted obstruction of justice—all misdemeanors. He was issued a Dec. 12 court date.

Looking for more Downers Grove police news?

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