Retail Theft Suspect Bit, Kicked At Police, Damaged Cop Car: NLPD

NEW LENOX, IL — A Downers Grove man faces multiple charges after officials say he bit and kicked at police officers following his arrest for retail theft late last week.

New Lenox police were called Friday afternoon to Walmart, 501 E. Lincoln Highway, for a report of retail theft. Andrew J. Hare Jr., 38, is accused of stuffing a store tote full of $900 worth of items and left the store without paying, according to police reports. Hare ditched the merchandise before fleeing in a car, police said.

Police pulled Hare over, and identified him as the suspect in the theft, according to reports. NLPD investigators reportedly recognized Hare from a prior, similar retail theft at Target.

While in lock-up, Hare "became combative with officers," the report states, biting one on the hand and kicking at another. While being taken to the Will County Adult Detention Facility, Hare also repeatedly kicked the inside of the squad car, causing damage to a door, the report says.

Hare was charged with resisting a peace officer, aggravated battery to officers, damage to property, retail theft and possession of a controlled substance. He is next due in court Tuesday, Aug. 15.

Hare was also arrested as recently as Aug. 7, in connection with a 2019 burglary, a 2022 retail theft and a 2019 criminal trespass to vehicle and another burglary, according to jail records. He bonded out and was released the next day.