Whiskey-Throwing Wanted Man Shoved Lady, Punched 1 Cop and Kicked Another: Police

JOLIET, IL — A thief hurled a bottle of whiskey at a Jewel security guard, then pushed a woman, punched a cop and kicked another officer during his mad dash for freedom, police said.

Security and management from the Jewel on West Jefferson Street pursued 41-year-old Arlaine Richards after he pushed a cart of stolen groceries out of the store Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The supermarket employees reportedly offered to let Richards go if he abandoned the cart of stolen groceries, and Richards did stop pushing it down the sidewalk. But instead of just walking away, he pulled out a bottle of whiskey and threw it at the guard, police said. The bottle smashed on the ground.

Richards then allegedly grabbed a case of whiskey out of the cart and made a run for it.

A police officer arrived and was reportedly told by a witness that Richards had headed down Reed Street. The officer followed footprints in the mud to a garage with a broken door, police said, and found Richards hiding inside beneath a box spring.

Richards ran out the service door and shoved a 64-year-old woman along the way, police said.

When he was finally caught by the cops, Richards punched an officer in the face, police said, and after he was knocked to the ground, he kicked a second officer’s arm.

Richards had warrants out for his arrest for three separate theft cases, according to court records, and another charging him with resisting police.

Richards was taken to the Will County jail.