Thief Tried Stealing Mercedes-Benz At Joliet Circle K, Drops Phone In Car, Joliet Police Make Arrest: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 21-year-old from Romeoville was arrested by Joliet police on Monday night in connection with allegations he tried to steal someone's Mercedes-Benz at the Circle K gas station near the Louis Joliet Mall area. Joliet police also said the thief initially ran off from the scene of the crime, only to return, pleading with his victim to give him back his iPhone that he left behind inside the car he was trying to steal.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English told Joliet Patch that Eliyjah Belk has been charged with attempted motor vehicle theft, theft and criminal trespass to a vehicle.

According to English, at 8:40 p.m., the officers responded to the Circle K at 3021 Plainfield Road for a report of someone trying to steal a vehicle. The victim had parked a running Mercedes-Benz S580 in the parking lot and briefly entered the store, believing the vehicle was locked, police advised.

While inside the store, the victim saw a male, later identified as Belk, wearing a ski mask and opening the driver’s door of the vehicle, English said.

The victim exited the store and found Belk seated in the driver’s seat trying to place the vehicle in reverse, according to police. The victim opened the door and pulled Belk from the vehicle before a physical struggle ensued, during which Belk re-entered the vehicle but was again removed by the victim, English said.

During the struggle, Belk grabbed the victim’s wallet and ran off, according to police. He stopped a short distance away upon realizing the victim had his phone and asked the victim to return it, English revealed.

Officers found Belk nearby, at which time he threw the victim’s wallet to the ground as the officers approached. Belk was taken into custody without further incident. Belk was processed at the Joliet Police Department and released on a notice to appear in court.