Man Harasses Woman In Elmhurst Store: Police

Elmhurst IL

10 September, 2021

8:07 AM

Description

ELMHURST, IL — A man who poked a woman on both sides of her abdomen in an Elmhurst convenience store was later arrested, police said. The man was identified as Devonta Lewis, 29, of Bloomingdale. He told police he was homeless. He was charged with battery, disorderly conduct and retail theft. Patch obtained the full police report through a public records request. The incident happened about 1 p.m. Aug. 31 at 7-Eleven, 525 Spring Road. According to the report, a video shows Lewis entering the store and walking to the fountain drink dispenser. He approached the woman from behind and poked her on both sides, then followed her as she went to the checkout counter, police said. In an interview with police, the woman said Lewis tried to lure her to the nearby Prairie Path by telling her she dropped her credit card. The 7-Eleven clerk told police that she saw Lewis leave with two cans of Bubly Sparkling Water. Shortly after, police found Lewis. Officers discovered a number of items in his backpack, including the sparkling water, Cheetos and a Snickers bar, all believed to have been stolen from 7-Eleven, police said. In an interview, Lewis told police that he had money, but did not want to spend it. So he asked people to buy him food and drink, but people outside refused to help him. He told police he went inside and tapped the woman to get her attention, then asked her to buy him something, but she, too, refused, according to the report. He acknowledged he took the two cans outside, but said he was finding someone to buy them for him, police said. Lewis was also asked about his contact with the woman. In response, Lewis indicated by using his fingers that he poked her on both sides, police said. He said the story about the credit card was just a conversation starter, denying that he tried to lure her to the Prairie Path, the report said. According to police, Lewis has a number of theft-related convictions. Lewis was released on bond.