Walmart Thief On Jefferson St. Attacks Employee: Joliet Police

JOLIET, IL —A 49-year-old Joliet man is now in the Will County Jail after police say he tried stealing merchandise Tuesday afternoon from the Walmart on West Jefferson Street and when employees confronted him, Uriah Bowie attacked the worker and tried running away.

Around 3:30 p.m., Joliet police were called to the Walmart at 2424 West Jefferson St. Officers captured Bowie after he ran from the store, police said.

Bowie was later delivered to the Will County Jail where he has been charged with aggravated battery, retail theft and resisting a peace officer.

"Officers determined that Bowie had concealed merchandise in a bag and then attempted to leave the store past the last point of purchase without paying. Bowie was stopped at the entrance by Walmart staff. Bowie dropped the bag and shoved a Walmart employee while fleeing the store," Joliet police reports show.

One of the Joliet officers arriving at the call spotted Bowie running from the Walmart, and the officer ordered Bowie to stop, but he didn't do so, according to police.

"Officers caught up to Bowie and placed him into custody without incident. Bowie was transported to the Joliet Police Department for booking," reports state.

Later, a Joliet Fire Department ambulance went to the Joliet police station after Bowie indicated he was suffering from a medical issue, authorities said.

Bowie went for an ambulance ride to the AMITA Health St. Joseph Medical Center and after doctors determined he was fine, Joliet police came and took Bowie to the Will County Jail around 5 p.m., reports show.

Bowie lives in the unit block of Clinton Street, in downtown Joliet, jail records show.