A McHenry man has been sentenced to five years in prison for a robbery at the Crystal Lake Mariano’s where he pulled a knife and battered an employee, prosecutors said.
David O. Harper, 31, of the 4900 block of West Orchard Drive in McHenry, was indicted on charges of armed robbery, aggravated robbery, robbery, four counts of aggravated battery, two counts of retail theft and aggravated assault.
Prosecutors said that Harper attempted to steal merchandise from Mariano’s, located at 105 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake, on May 26.
An employee of the store tried to stop Harper but the man pushed a shopping cart into the employee, prosecutors said.
Harper shoved the 62-year-old employee and pushed the shopping cart into him several times, court documents said.
Harper then pulled a knife out of his pocket before fleeing the scene, prosecutors said. He was detained nearby a short time later.
Last week, Harper entered into a negotiated plea deal with the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Harper pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated robbery indicating a firearm, a Class 1 felony, in exchange for all of his other charges being dismissed.
McHenry County Judge Robert Wilbrandt approved the plea deal and sentenced Harper to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Sentencing documents show the man’s sentence will be served at 50% under truth-in-sentencing guidelines. Harper will also receive 182 days for time served in the county jail.
Wilbrandt also said in his sentencing order that the court found Harper committed the incident as the result of using alcohol or a controlled substance. Wilbrandt recommended Harper be placed in a substance abuse program.
The case was investigated by the Crystal Lake Police Department and prosecuted by Brian Miller of the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office.