Crime & Safety

POLICE: Man Swipes Cameras, Shoves Security Officer

Security officer and manager tackle man and detain him until cops arrive when he is caught taking cameras at Kmart, police say.

An Oak Lawn man accused of cutting a security cord and taking two cameras and shoving a store security officer in an effort to flee without being apprehended.

Nick Benson, 26, of the 10200 block of South Tripp Avenue, was charged with battery and retail theft on March 15.

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When arrived at Kmart at 4101 W. 95th St. around 3:56 p.m., the store manager and security officer already had Benson on the ground in handcuffs, police said.

Earlier Benson was spotted entering the store and checking the ceiling for hidden cameras on the store's security cameras, police said. The security officer told police that Benson entered the camera aisle and using a pair of scissors, allegedly cut two cameras off their lock and peg hook.

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Police said the security officer watched Benson as he walked toward the front of the store. After he passed the cash registers, the security officer confronted Benson.

The security officer identified himself to Benson inside the store vestibule and asked for the merchandise inside Benson’s coat. After turning the cameras over, Benson shoved the security officer in the chest and attempted to flee the store, the report said.

Police said the security officer was able to maintain his grip on Benson, and with the help of the store manager, they were able to detain Benson until police arrived.

Benson allegedly told police he took the cameras because he needed the money. He said he was just trying to get out of the store and didn’t want to be arrested again.

He was taken to the Oak Lawn police station where he was charged with battery and retail theft. His next court date is April 2.

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