New Lenox, IL – A retail theft Tuesday reportedly turned into an armed robbery at a Walmart in New Lenox involving $37 worth of food.
According to the New Lenox Police Department, the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at approximately 5:45 PM when Bryan Mendoza, a 26-year-old from Joliet, allegedly attempted to leave the store without paying for the goods. Confronted by a loss prevention employee, Mendoza reportedly threatened the employee with a pocket knife before fleeing.
Mendoza was later apprehended in Joliet and is facing charges of armed robbery and burglary. He is currently held at the Will County Detention Facility pending a judicial hearing.
