A man from Crystal Lake in Illinois has been accused of robbing a woman and causing her injuries, resulting in an off-duty police officer pursuing and apprehending him at a grocery store in DuPage County. Maximus Herman, a 21-year-old resident of Crystal Lake, has been charged with robbery, a Class 2 felony, as well as misdemeanor battery. The incident occurred on Monday at around 5:33 p.m. when the Downers Grove Police Department received a report of a robbery at the Shop & Save Market.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, the suspect, later identified as Herman, approached the victim who was shopping with her purse in her shopping cart. Herman grabbed the woman’s purse and fled from the store. The victim followed in pursuit, resulting in a struggle between Herman and the victim in the parking lot. During the scuffle, the victim fell and injured her elbow. Eventually, Herman managed to take possession of the purse and ran away.
Fortunately, an off-duty Illinois State Police trooper witnessed the incident and sprang into action. He chased after Herman and eventually tackled him in the parking lot, leading to his arrest by Downers Grove police officers.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his outrage over the incident, stating, “It is alleged that Mr. Herman robbed an innocent woman of her purse while she was shopping at a local market. The type of brazen behavior allegedly exhibited by Mr. Herman will not be tolerated in DuPage County.” Berlin also urged the public to remain vigilant during the busy holiday shopping season.
Chief of Police Michael DeVries commended the state trooper for his brave actions, emphasizing his willingness to put his own safety at risk to apprehend the suspect.
Herman appeared in court on Tuesday morning, where prosecutors requested that he be denied pre-trial release. The judge granted their petition, and Herman is scheduled to appear in court again on December 18.
The incident serves as a reminder for everyone to be aware of their surroundings, particularly during the holiday shopping season, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.