Crime & Safety

Car Shop Owner Chases Down Stolen Camaro

Accused car thief beaten in the street at 80th Avenue and St. Francis Road, according to Will County Sheriff's Office.

Michael Crusing, 19, of the 20600 block of Ivy Path, was charged with car theft, possession of a stolen vehicle and criminal trespass to property, police said. He's accused of stealing 1979 brown Chevrolet Camaro from .

Auto Clinic's owner called deputies after watching surveillance video of two men entering and exiting three cars, then driving off in the Camaro. That evening, the owner saw the Camaro stopped at an intersection by Hot Grill restaurant in the 7800 block of West Lincoln Highway, said sheriff's spokeswoman Kathy Hoffmeyer. The owner, her husband and brother then pursued the Camaro in their blue Hummer.

According to Hoffmeyer, Crusing said he was traveling to Indian Trail School to meet a female friend when the auto shop owner's blue Hummer pulled in front of him between St. Francis Road and 80th Avenue.

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The auto shop owner claimed she and her brother and husband wanted Crusing to stay in the car until law enforcement arrived, and when he tried to flee, there was a struggle, Hoffmeyer said. Crusing, however, claims he was dragged from the Camaro by the two men, who stomped on him and kicked him in the ribs and head, Hoffmeyer added.

Deputies arrived at the scene and found Crusing lying on the ground next to the Camaro. Crusing was taken to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet where he was treated and released to deputies. 

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Hoffmeyer said an 18-year-old male was with Crusing in the car, but the report does not say if he was there when deputies arrived. Currently, no charges have been filed against the owner of Auto Clinic or her brother and husband, Hoffmeyer said.

Crusing is still being held at the Will County Jail on $1,500 bail. A preliminary hearing will be Oct. 24.

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