Cops: Man Brought Drugs, Punched Employee In Shoplifting Attempt

EVANSTON, IL — A Chicago man was arrested after bringing dozens of illegal pills with him as he and an accomplice attempted to shoplift electronics, police said.

Benjamin Lenoir, 22, of the 3300 block of W. 85th Street, was charged with aggravated battery and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, both felonies, in connection with a Tuesday evening incident, according to Evanston police.

Officers were dispatched to the Best Buy in the 2300 block of Howard Street around 8 p.m. for a report of a shoplifter fighting with store employees. When police arrived, employees had already detained Lenoir. They told police he and a partner opened an emergency exit and set off a fire alarm as they tried to slip out with three laptops and a Playstation 4, according to Evanston Police Cmdr. Joseph Dugan.

As they tried to flee, a 21-year-old Best Buy employee stepped in front of Lenoir, who punched him on the left side of the face, chipping the employees tooth and causing swelling to his face, Dugan said.

They grappled, and with the help of other staffers, the employee was able to grab the would-be thief and hold him there until police arrived. The employee was taken to Evanston hospital for treatment, Dugan said.

Police said when officers arrived they found Lenoir was in possession of 46 Xanax pills.

The other shoplifter evaded arrest Tuesday. He was described as a man wearing a yellow t-shirt and dark shorts, according to Dugan.

Lenoir is being held at Cook County Jail on $500,000 bond. He also faces charges related to a 2015 armed home invasion, according to the Cook County sheriff's office. His next court date has been scheduled for June 22 in Skokie.

Top photo: Benjamin Lenoir | Office of the Cook County Sheriff