A Joliet man has been charged after he allegedly threatened to pepper-spray an employee while stealing over $1,000 worth of merchandise from a store in Woodstock.
Anthony Norton-Hernandez, 27, of Joliet, was charged with retail theft over $300, a Class 3 felony, and assault, a Class C misdemeanor.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Norton-Hernandez stole from Menards, 2100 Lake Avenue in Woodstock, around 2 p.m. on June 7.
Norton-Hernandez allegedly took a Generac gasoline-powered portable generator, which retails for $849.
The complaint said he also stole a Troy-Bilt gas chainsaw, which retails for $199, and a Worx corded electric power washer, which retails for $119.
The total of the stolen merchandise is approximately $1,167, according to Menards’ website.
Norton-Hernandez began leaving the store and an employee asked the man to see his receipt.
The complaint said Norton-Hernandez pointed a can of pepper spray at the employee.
The Woodstock Police Department investigated the case and the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office approved charges against Norton-Hernandez on Thursday.
A McHenry County judge has since issued an arrest warrant for Norton-Hernandez.
Norton-Hernandez is currently being held in the Kendall County Jail on charges of armed robbery, burglary, retail theft, aggravated fleeing to elude and more.
Those charges stem from an armed robbery on June 14 in the 1200 block of Ogden Avenue in Montgomery.
Police responding to the call located the suspect vehicle, occupied by Norton-Hernandez and a second suspect.
The car fled at a high rate of speed and the chase ended in Plainfield where the two fled and were arrested by officers.
Norton-Hernandez remains held on a $500,000 bond for that incident.