Clerk's Mistake Sparks La Grange Store Commotion: Cops

La Grange IL

30 July, 2021

9:23 AM

Description

LA GRANGE, IL — A man who says he was making his way to Springfield to get a state identification caused a commotion at a La Grange convenience store earlier this month when he was given the wrong tobacco product, police said. Eric Herbolsheimer, 52, of downstate Malden, was arrested on charges of assault, disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property. Patch obtained the police report through a public records request. According to the report, police were called about 3:30 p.m. June 27 to 7-Eleven, 9600 E. Ogden Ave. When Herbolsheimer saw officers coming, he was near the store with luggage, telling them, "Leaving, packing up," the report said. Officers learned that Herbolsheimer became irate when a clerk mistakenly grabbed the wrong type of tobacco, police said. He walked around the counter and moved toward the clerk, who said he feared the customer would hit him, according to the report. The clerk told Herbolsheimer to leave. Herbolsheimer then knocked down items of merchandise and display racks off the counter, police said. He also pushed over a self-standing hand sanitizer dispenser, breaking it, according to the report. Police said they arrested Herbolsheimer without any problems. In an interview, Herbolsheimer said he wanted to buy some tobacco products, but became upset when the clerk grabbed the wrong item, police said. Herbolsheimer said he asked for his money back. Herbolsheimer told officers that he was on his way to Springfield for a new state ID. It was unclear why he had to go to Springfield when such an ID could be obtained at any Secretary of State's office. According to the police report, an officer took Herbolsheimer to the Forest Park Blue Line station, so the man could obtain further transportation.