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DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Woodridge Chief of Police Brian Cunningham announced today that bond has been set for a Woodridge man accused of disarming a police officer after allegedly stealing merchandise from a Woodridge Target store. John Crowder, 29 (d.o.b. 10/30/1992) with an unknown address, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Ann Celine O’Hallaren Walsh set bond at $250,000 with 10% to apply. Crowder has been charged with one count of Disarming a Peace Officer (Class 1 Felony), one count of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony), one count of Retail Theft (Class 3 Felony) one count of Resisting a Police Officer Causing Injury (Class 4 Felony) and one count of Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property (Class 4 Felony).

On August 24, 2022, officers with the Woodridge Police Department responded to a call of a retail theft in progress at the Target store located on 63rd Street. Upon his arrival, a Woodridge police officer allegedly observed Crowder placing two air mattresses valued at approximately $340 into the trunk of a car. It is alleged that the officer approached Crowder and began speaking to him at which time Crowder kicked the officer’s leg out from under him causing him to fall. It is alleged that while lying on his back, the officer pulled out his taser at which time Crowder grabbed the taser from the officer’s hand and threw it across the parking lot. Crowder then allegedly started walking away. It is alleged that the officer gave multiple commands to Crowder to stop walking, but Crowder refused and entered his car. After a second officer arrived on scene, it is alleged that Crowder continued to ignore the officers’ commands and resisted as the officers attempted to place him in handcuffs. After a brief struggle, Crowder was taken into custody.

“Day in and day out, our officers quietly do their jobs protecting the residents and businesses of DuPage County,” Berlin said. “This incident is yet another example of their professionalism and dedication to public safety. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. I thank the Woodridge Police Department for their efforts in bringing the defendant into custody. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Claudia Fantauzzo and Kelly McKay for their work in securing charges against Mr. Crowder.”

“After being faced with a felony crime in progress, our officer approached the suspect in a calm manner.” Cunningham said. “The subject responded with violence. The officer continued de-escalation efforts to no avail. I'm thankful no one was seriously injured. I appreciate DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office for their assistance and efforts to hold this person accountable.”

Crowder’s next court appearance is scheduled for arraignment on September 22, 2022, in front of Judge O’Hallaren Walsh.

Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.