Palos Park, IL – A 40-year-old Alsip man was arrested Thursday night after allegedly stealing a grocery store employee’s backpack and attacking him in the parking lot of a Jewel store.
According to the Palos Park Police Department (PPPD), officers responded around 10:11 p.m. to reports of two men fighting outside Jewel at 9652 W. 131st St. Upon arrival, officers found a 61-year-old man bleeding from the face east of the store. Emergency medical personnel were called to treat the victim for cuts and abrasions.
Police said the victim, a Jewel employee, had placed his backpack on a store bench while clocking out. A coworker witnessed a man, later identified as Jason L. Garza, take the backpack and leave the store. The victim confronted Garza in the parking lot, where Garza allegedly threw the backpack to the ground before repeatedly punching the victim in the face.
Officers located Garza at the east end of the parking lot, where he allegedly resisted arrest. Police used force to detain him before transporting him to Palos Northwestern Hospital for observation.
Garza faces charges of theft, battery, and resisting arrest, with additional charges possible. Police noted his extensive criminal history and reminded shoppers to secure their belongings to prevent theft.
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