A burglary suspect arrested in Lake Forest had to be tasered and pepper sprayed after becoming combative with deputies just before a court hearing, authorities said. He also allegedly bit a deputy.
The Lake Forest Police Department responded around 4:30 a.m. on January 19 to the 1400 block of Buena Road in Lake Forest for a report of a residential burglary in progress.
A police report said a resident reported that he was awakened by noises outside and then heard glass breaking.
The resident entered the bedroom where the noise was and he saw a man standing on the other side of the window.
The suspect stated he was homeless and thought the home was empty before leaving, the report said.
The suspect was seen rummaging through a dump truck on the property and the resident discovered the power to the house was cut.
An investigation indicated a shed on the property was pried open and the bed of a pickup truck had been rummaged through.
Officers located the suspect, identified as Shakeen M. Cross, 24, of Hampton, Virginia, on the bike path near the residence.
He initially gave the police a false name but eventually gave his true name.
He admitted to cutting the power and breaking the window to the house, the report said.
The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges of burglary, residential burglary, criminal damage to property, theft and obstruction.
Cross was transported to the Lake County Jail for a bond hearing.
While in custody at the Lake County Jail, the court attempted multiple times to conduct a bond hearing for Cross.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said Cross was instructed to step into a holding cell for his initial court appearance.
Cross refused numerous instructions from corrections officers to step into the room, Covelli said.
After continuing to refuse, Cross was pepper sprayed.
Corrections officers then attempted to place him in handcuffs and he pulled away, clenched his fists and got into a fighting stance, Covelli said.
Corrections officers used a taser to stop Cross from fighting with them.
They were able to place the man into handcuffs. One of the corrections officers sustained a minor hand injury during the encounter.
During a second attempt to bring him to bond court, Cross again struggled with corrections officers and bit a correctional officer, Covelli said.
Sheriff’s detectives are reviewing the incidents and additional charges against Cross are likely.
Cross was ordered held on a $150,000 bond. He remains held in the Lake County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 23.