Police Return Stolen Purse, Rock Used to Break Car Window

Sturtevant police say a young couple was taken into custody after one of them used a rock to break into a car and steal a purse. When officers returned the purse to its rightful owner, they also gave her the rock.

Darrell Williams, 19, and Diamond McClain, 17, were charged Friday in Racine County Circuit with misdemeanor counts each of entry into a locked vehicle, criminal damage to property and theft of moveable property, less than $2,500. If convicted, they each face 2-1/12 years in jail and/or up to $30,000 in fines.

Because Williams has past misdemeanor convictions for entry into a locked vehicle, obstruction and bail jumping, a judge can tack extra time onto any sentence he might receive.

According to their criminal complaints, Sturtevant police answered a call just before midnight Thursday for a report of someone breaking into a car at the Hiawatha Bar and Grill. While officers were en route, dispatch advised them the suspect had left on foot and was described as a black male wearing dark clothing.

When officers arrived, they say there was a silver Oldsmobile in the immediate vicinity with two people inside, one of whom loosely fit the description given to dispatch. Police initiated a traffic stop during which they questioned the driver - Williams - and the passenger - McClain - and both said McClain just got off of work and they "were just driving around."

Police asked if anything in the vehicle was stolen, but McClain denied knowing anything about stolen goods. Officers continued to question her, and she consented to a search of the vehicle while another officer went to the Hiawatha to speak with witnesses, the complaint reads.

One man told police he saw an individual throw a rock or a similar object at a car window several times until it broke. That person then reached into the car, took some things and left the area on foot. Police say the owner of the car had her keys with her but said her Coach purse was on the passenger seat and contained her ID and credit cards.

The officer returned to the vehicle where Williams and McClain were being questioned, but by now, Williams said he was ready to talk. He told police the stolen purse was in the car, under the seat, but it was all McClain's idea and she was the only one who carried out the theft, the complaint reads.

Officers did note that Williams was wearing a white t-shirt and grey pants while McClain was wearing dark pants and a dark shirt with a McDonald's logo on it. Police found the purse under the seat still containing the owner's identification and credit cards. They say they also found a large rock next to the purse.

Police say McClain put her hands behind her back and said, "I know I'm going to jail," and that she was clear about Williams not being involved. Officers rhetorically observed to Williams that if McClain left the car without a purse but returned with one, wouldn't it be reasonable to assume it was stolen?

Officers documented the damage to the woman's car and returned to her the purse, her personal belongings and the rock used to break the window of her car, the complaint reads.

Williams remains in the Racine County Jail on a $500 cash bond. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for Sept. 5. McClain was released on a $500 signature bond, and she will next be in court for her pre-trial conference on Sept. 26.