Joliet Car Burglar Roughed Up By His Victim After Entering Man's Vehicle: Police

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Police Department announced that 29-year-old Joliet citizen Michael Malito was arrested over Labor Day weekend after authorities say he was caught breaking automobiles on the east side of the community. Malito's confrontation with one of his victims turned violent for him, the arrest logs from Joliet police show.

According to police spokesman Tizoc Landeros, Malito was arrested on charges of battery, disorderly conduct, possession of burglary tools and criminal trespass to a motor vehicle.

The Joliet police press release noted that at approximately 9 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to the 400 block of Ohio Street for a man being detained by a 41-year-old Joliet resident after allegedly breaking into his vehicle.

The victim reported he went outside and saw Malito sitting in the front passenger seat of his vehicle, rummaging through the glove compartment. When confronted, Malito kicked and punched the victim, and a struggle ensued before the victim was able to detain him until officers arrived, Landeros said.

He said that Malito sustained facial injuries while trying to flee. The victim was not injured.

While on scene, officers were approached by a neighbor who reported that his girlfriend had also encountered someone attempting to enter her vehicle.

Officers then spoke with the victim, a 25-year-old Joliet resident, who stated she had placed her child in her vehicle and was preparing to leave when she saw a male, matching Malito’s description, trying to open her vehicle door. She was able to drive away and contact her boyfriend, preventing Malito from gaining entry, the arrest report showed.

Malito was taken into custody and transported to the Joliet Police Department booking area, where he was processed and released on a notice to appear in Will County court.