Knife-Wielding Shoplifter Threatened Guards at Oakbrook Center: Police

A shoplifting incident turned dangerous Thursday morning when a woman reportedly pointed a large knife at Oakbrook Center security guards.

Oak Brook police were called at 11:07 a.m. to the center’s Neiman Marcus store for reports of a retail theft, according to Oak Brook police.

A woman left the store without paying for a purse and jacket, but when store security guards approached her, she dropped the merchandise and took a large, fixed-blade knife out of her purse.

She ran away to the parking lot, where she got into a gray Nissan, police reported. When store security went up to the car, a male driver pointed a pistol at them and drove eastbound on 22nd Street.

“This is a very isolated incident,” said Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger in a statement. “Oakbrook Center is an extremely safe place to shop, however we will be stepping up patrols in the area to deter any similar situation from happening again, and eliminating any concerns the community may have.”

Police are following several leads. Anyone with information about the incident should call police at (630) 368-8700 or email crimetips@oak-brook.org.