6 Crimes At Walmart On Jefferson Street Land This Man In Jail For 3 Days: Police

JOLIET, IL — A 44-year-old man who comes from Elgin has been freed from the Will County Jail after Joliet police arrested him earlier this week in connection with a shoplifting crime and allegations of violent behavior toward the police at the Walmart store on West Jefferson Street.

Joliet police say Marcellus Thomas was charged with retail theft, aggravated battery, resisting a peace officer, assault, intimidation and obstructing justice, resulting in his detention at the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

According to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English, on September 29, at 1:15 p.m., the officers responded to the Walmart at 2424 West Jefferson Street for a retail theft. Thomas had selected nearly $200 worth of merchandise and exited the store without paying,English noted.

When approached about the theft, Thomas threatened to physically harm a store employee and continued to leave through the parking lot, the police advised.

When an officer located Thomas in the parking lot and attempted to placed him into custody, a brief struggle happened. Shortly after the arrest, Thomas complained of a medical issue and requested an ambulance. He was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department.

"It is alleged that Thomas kicked a paramedic while in the ambulance," English announced. "He refused to cooperate at the hospital and made numerous verbal threats to harm the officer. Thomas was then transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility."

After three days in the jail, Thomas was let go on Wednesday evening, the jail logs show.