California man stole woman’s phone as they waited for a flight at Midway Airport, officials say
California Man Charged with Theft at Midway International Airport
A California man is facing felony charges after allegedly stealing a woman’s phone at Midway International Airport in Chicago. Jermaine Harris, 33, of Fresno, was involved in the incident that took place at gate B1 as the pair were preparing to board a Southwest Airlines flight to Denver.
According to a Chicago police report, Harris grabbed the woman’s phone from her hand and placed it in his pocket. Despite the woman’s request for him to return the phone, he refused, leading to a confrontation that required police intervention at the gate.
During a search, officers discovered the stolen phone in Harris’ pants pocket. Subsequently, Harris was taken to the Chicago Lawn (8th) District police station where the situation escalated. Harris reportedly caused damage to department computers and the fingerprint machine in the lockup area and physically assaulted multiple officers and detention aides.
As a result of his actions, Harris has been charged with felony theft, four counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer, and felony criminal damage to government property. The woman missed her original flight due to the incident, but Southwest Airlines accommodated her on another flight departing later that morning.
Following the initial arrest, Harris was released pending trial. However, he failed to appear in court as scheduled, and there is now an active warrant for his arrest.
It is crucial to respect the laws and regulations in place at airports and to handle disagreements peacefully to avoid escalating situations that can lead to legal consequences.
