Crime & Safety

Woman Damages Squad Car After Shoplifting Arrest: Police

Jolene Sander not only had to be moved to more secure vehicle after damaging the first, she also kicked a Joliet police officer in the leg, officials said.

An alleged shoplifter was so incensed at being arrested Friday that she struck her head against a squad car window and damaged the emergency light box inside the vehicle, Joliet Police Capt. Les O'Connor said.

Jolene A. Sander, 30, with addresses listed at 324 S. Joliet St., Joliet, and 322 Stadium Drive, Bourbonnais, was in such a perturbed state that she had to be transferred to a different car with a caged-in back seat, O'Connor said. When she arrived at the Joliet Police Department, 150 W. Washington St., she kicked a police officer in the leg and caused a contusion, he said.


According to reports, Sander was taken into custody by security guards at Kmart, 1801 W. Jefferson St., on suspicion of shoplifting. It's alleged she took children's toys and clothing and and assorted nail care products, adding up to more than $300, without paying, O'Connor said.

Her young child was with her at the time of her 4:50 p.m. arrest, he said. A friend with whom she was shopping took custody of the child.

It was after Sander was placed into the police car that she began to exhibit out-of-control behavior, resulting the vehicle damage and forcing the change in cars, O'Connor said.

Sander was charged with felony retail theft, aggravated battery to a police officer, criminal damage to government-supported property and resisting a peace officer.

She is being held in the Will County jail in lieu of $20,000 bond.

Sander was previously arrested in April, when neighbors reported she was waving a .45-caliber gun outside her Joliet Street home and had three more loaded guns in her trunk, according to police reports. She was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.


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