A man, who claimed in court he was a “son of God” and asked the judge to keep him in jail, allegedly punched a gas station employee in Beach Park and threatened to “blow people up.”
Jason Hart, 32, of Beach Park, was charged with battery, theft and disorderly conduct.
Hart appeared for a bond hearing on Wednesday and insisted on representing himself.
Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Caitlin Valiulis said that Hart went to a Citgo in Beach Park to buy lighter fluid Tuesday evening.
Hart allegedly yelled at the clerk due to the long line, took the lighter fluid and walked out without paying.
The clerk told Hart he needed to pay for the item and followed him out of the store, Valiulis said.
Hart and the clerk were in a verbal altercation outside when Hart allegedly punched the clerk in the face.
The clerk called 911 and Hart stayed outside the store, Valiulis said.
Lake County sheriff’s deputies responded and saw redness on the clerk’s face. Hart admitted to his actions.
Valiulis said that Hart talked about “blowing people up” and said the man would “kill a bunch of people” if he did not go to jail.
In court, Hart denied saying he would kill a bunch of people and said he would “blow things up” if he didn’t go to jail because his goal was to come to jail.
He claimed to be a “son of God” and said his alleged actions were for a purpose.
Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak set Hart’s bond at $100,000. Hart thanked the judge for remanding him to the jail.
Hart remains held in the Lake County Jail and would need to post $10,000 cash to be released. He is scheduled to be arraigned on November 17.