Cop Injured in Pursuit, but Still Gets His Man

A officer didn't let two badly injured forearms stop him from nabbing a fleeing shoplifter Monday, Sgt. Mike Fisher said.

The incident started at about 11:40 a.m. when police received a call that security guards were chasing an alleged shoplifter who'd stolen a backpack and $529 worth of DVDs from the on Route 59 at 135th Street, he said.

Shervino arrived just as the suspect, Shane Valentine, crossed 135th Street, and he joined the pursuit as Valentine passed by the store and then the .

In a case of "perfect timing," Fisher said, a Tuffy customer opened the door right in front of Shervino. While the glass didn't break, his forearms did connect with the metal door handle, he said.

"He slammed into the door, got back up and kept chasing him, screaming, 'Police, stop,'" Fisher said. "He must of been bleeding badly, but he just kept going."

Valentine stopped a few feet beyond the store, too tired to keep going, Fisher said. By that time, more Plainfield officers had arrived and Shervino let them take Valentine into custody so he could get medical attention at .

Shervino's injuries were severe enough to require staples for closure, Fisher said. He's been off of work since then, he said.

Valentine was charged with felony theft and was also arrested on two outstanding warrants for failure to appear. He's being held at the Will County jail in lieu of $625 bail.

"I can tell you firsthand (Shervino) is a real go-getter," Fisher said. "He's not going to let something like that stop him from making an arrest."