Vodka Thief Punched Security Guard in Eye: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A shoplifter punched a supermarket security guard in the eye as he attempted to escape with 10 bottles of vodka, police said.

The guard spotted 24-year-old Chad Layfield in the West Jefferson Street Jewel Monday afternoon and recalled that he had seen him stealing before, police said. Layfield has theft convictions for shoplifting from the West Jefferson Street Wal-Mart and the Food 4 Less in Crest Hill.

Layfield tried to slip out of the store with 10 bottles Ketel One, police said, but the security guard stood in his way. Layfield allegedly pushed past the guard and punched him in the eye.

Layfield was able to get out of the store but didn’t get much farther, police said. When the cops arrived, he and the guard were reportedly entangled on the ground.

Layfield complained of chest pains and shortness of breath, police said. He was taken to Presence St. Joseph Medical Center and then to the Will County jail.

Chad Layfield | image via Will County Sheriff's Department