Accused Fuel Thief Crashes Minivan, Leads Joliet Cops on Foot Chase

Police say a 24-year-old man who stole from a Plainfield gas station crashed his minivan into a tree before continuing his run from officers on foot.

Lawrence D. Cummins, of Chicago, allegedly gassed up his 2005 Ford Windstar shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday at Thorntons, 15800 Route 59 in Plainfield, and then drove off without paying, according to a Herald News report. An officer began pursuing Cummins, who police say "increased speed and continued south into Joliet."

The chase moved into the Wesmere subdivision, where Cummins reportedly lost control of the van, hit a stop sign and tree, and then ran from the vehicle.

Joliet and Plainfield officers eventually caught up to him. He was arrested and charged with one count each of aggravated fleeing from police, resisting arrest, retail theft and driving without a license.