Woodridge, Illinois — Wednesday — A Chicago man is accused of dragging a police officer with an SUV while fleeing a retail theft investigation Tuesday morning.
According to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office, Deandrae Walker, 36, of Chicago, is charged with multiple felonies after the incident outside a Target store at 2333 63rd Street in Woodridge.
Authorities allege the incident began around 8:23 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, when Woodridge detectives conducting surveillance observed Walker leave the store pushing a cart containing 18 bottles of Tito’s vodka valued at about $623.33 without paying.
Prosecutors allege Walker began loading the alcohol into a black Kia SUV when detectives in an unmarked police vehicle approached and identified themselves.
According to authorities, Walker allegedly entered the passenger side of the vehicle before moving into the driver’s seat as a detective opened the driver’s door and ordered him to exit.
Prosecutors allege Walker then put the vehicle in drive while a detective had his foot inside the driver’s-side door frame, telling the officer to get out before accelerating.
Authorities allege the vehicle moved forward, struck the detectives’ SUV and dragged the officer until he fell to the ground near the police vehicle.
The officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Police later located the Kia in Berwyn, and after a pursuit involving the Forest Park Police Department, Walker was taken into custody near 3500 W. Monroe Street in Chicago, authorities said.
Walker faces charges including aggravated battery to a police officer, burglary, retail theft, aggravated fleeing and eluding, criminal damage to government property, and resisting an officer causing injury, along with several misdemeanor offenses.
Judge Joshua Dieden ordered Walker detained during his first court appearance Wednesday, according to prosecutors.
Walker’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 6 before Judge Joseph Bugos.
Authorities remind the public that the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
