Dollar Tree Arrest After Man Bangs Head, Face On Ground: JPD

JOLIET — The Joliet Police Department sent officers to the Dollar Tree store on the east side this week, but not because the officers needed to buy snacks or frozen foods. Instead, Joliet police say 24-year-old Renato Rivera of Skokie was arrested on charges of aggravated battery to a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and resisting a peace officer.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said Rivera was arrested when officers responded at about 4:41 p.m. Monday upon learning that two men were inside the Dollar Tree store, 457 E. Cass St., causing a disturbance and knocking over store displays.

An officer found the two men in the 500 block of East Cass Street. While Joliet police dealt with one of the men, English said Rivera grew angry, approaching the officer.

When the officer tried to take Rivera into custody, police said he refused to place his hands behind his back and began making a fist. Additional Joliet police arrived to assist as Rivera continued to resist, by pulling away from all the officers.

Rivera was taken to the ground, and he was placed into custody. While in handcuffs, Rivera kept trying to kick the officers, and he eventually grabbed and scratched one officer’s forearm, according to English.

Once on the ground, police say Rivera began intentionally striking his head and face on the ground, causing an injury to his face. A Joliet Fire Department ambulance took Rivera to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center.

Rivera was released from the hospital a short time later, and he was taken to the Joliet Police Department, where he was processed and released on his notice to appear at the Will County Courthouse in connection with his new criminal charges.