Joliet Man Wanted For Robbery Swallows Pills When He Sees Cops: NLPD

NEW LENOX, IL — A Joliet man wanted for robbery and larceny was arrested Tuesday in New Lenox, after he swallowed pills when he spotted police, officials said.

A ride-share driver flagged down police in the parking lot of Walmart just after 9 a.m. Tuesday. The driver told police that their passenger, later identified as Norton Hernandez, 28, had swallowed an unknown amount of medication after seeing police in the parking lot.

Police said Hernandez initially provided a false name, before then reporting he was experiencing medical issues.

An ambulance was called, and Hernandez was taken to Silver Cross Hospital. The officer determined Hernandez’s real name, and learned he had active arrest warrants from DuPage County for a traffic offense, Kankakee County for larceny, and Kendall County for robbery.

According to officials, Hernandez fled from the hospital before obtaining treatment.

Police found Hernandez and attempted to place him in custody to process the active warrants. Police said Hernandez grabbed at the officer’s vest and equipment and attempted to flee on foot.

The officer was able to restrain Hernandez and took him into custody. Hernandez finished treatment at the hospital and was taken to the New Lenox Police Department. He was processed and transferred to the Will County Jail.