'You're Next,' Manhattan Man Threatened Victim With Knife: NLPD

NEW LENOX, IL — A Manhattan man faces an aggravated assault charge, after New Lenox police say he violated an order of protection and threatened someone with a knife.

The incident happened Jan. 4 just before 11 a.m. Thomas Charles, 31, of Manhattan, is accused of going to a person's home on Andrea Drive armed with a knife. The resident of the home had an active order of protection against Charles, according to police reports.

The victim told police Charles then "waved a large knife in the air while stating, 'You’re next.'"

The victim captured a photo of Charles’ vehicle, which had a distinct sticker on the rear. Police later tried to curb the car, and Charles evaded police by driving into a nearby neighborhood. Police made several other attempts to stop the car, before eventually succeeding near 340 W. Maple Road, according to police reports.

Charles was taken into custody, and a search of the car yielded a knife with a 7-inch blade, police said.

Charles was processed at the New Lenox Police Department. He was charged with aggravated assault, violation of order of protection, and fleeing/eluding a peace officer.

He was transported to the Will County Jail.