Alleged Shoplifter Struck Cop before Leading Chase into Plainfield

An alleged Shorewood shoplifter pinned an officer with his car Sunday before taking Shorewood, Plainfield and Channahon police on a treacherous chase that ended with a crash in Plainfield, Shorewood Police Chief Aaron Klima said today.

Police say the man they apprehended -- Anthony Thompson, 40, 251 Marble St., Joliet -- was released from prison less than a year ago after serving time for theft. He was charged today with aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated fleeing, driving on a revoked/suspended license and retail theft.

The incident began shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday when CVS employees called Shorewood police to report that Thompson had allegedly stolen a CD or DVD player, Klima said.

An officer "engaged" Thompson as he was leaving the store, Klima said, but the alleged thief was in a hurry to get going.

"This gentleman left his car running to make a quick getaway," the chief said.

So quick a getaway, Klima said, that Thompson backed into one parked car and pinned the officer between his vehicle and another.

"Luckily, he wasn't severely injured, but he's going to be sore for a while," he said of the officer. "It could have been a lot worse."

Thompson took off, police said, eventually heading north on Route 59 through Joliet and into Plainfield. Along the way, Klima said, squad cars pulled alongside the fleeing vehicle with officers making eye contact with Thompson and shouting for him to stop.

"This guy refused all lights and sirens," he said.

Near 143rd Street, Thompson abruptly braked and ended up in a ditch. Klima believes the fugitive planned to bail out and make a run for it but was thwarted when his door got stuck against a car that pulled up alongside.

Two Shorewood squad cars were damaged and another officer was hurt by the violent end to the chase, the chief said.

"I'm just worried about our guys," he said. "That's our most precious resource."

Lori Janiec of Plainfield witnessed the aftermath of the pursuit and crash as she and her husband drove south on Route 59.

In addition to the two damaged Shorewood squad cars, about a half dozen unmarked vehicles were on the scene and one of the northbound lanes was closed, Janiec said.

"It was quite the sight with all the lights," she said.

Thompson and the two officers were transported to Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where they treated and released.

Thompson, who is still on parole following his November 2010 release from prison, is being held at the Will County jail pending a bond hearing.

Thompson has spent time in prison for such offenses as retail theft, driving on a revoked or suspended license, domestic battery, attempting to disarm a police officer and possession of a controlled substance.