Thursday Blotter: Foul Smell in Retail Theft Attempt

Nabbed in perfume theft

Police charged Ricardo Coates, 39, of the 1200 block of Wheeling Road in Mount Prospect, with felony retail theft on Feb. 8 around 4 p.m. Coates is accused of selecting several cologne and perfume bottles at the Jewel store in the 9400 block of Skokie Boulevard and attempted to leave without paying before security personnel stopped him. Coates already had a outstanding warrant for his arrest and told police that he knew “I’m going to jail for a really long time.”

Coates also told police that he wish he “stabbed [the loss prevention worker] with my screwdriver.” Police found the screwdriver in his front pocket. Coates' court date is Feb. 14.

Graffiti damage

Police were dispatched to a criminal damage call in the 4800 block of Searle Parkway on Feb. 8 around 4 p.m. Police met with a business owner who said that his building had been spray painted with the letters “RPK” and “RUSK.” Similar graffiti was also found a few weeks ago in the 4900 block of Main Street. Police are investigating.

Theft from motor vehicle

An orange purse, sunglasses and $20 were stolen from a vehicle parked at LifeTime Fitness, 5300 Old Orchard Rd, on Feb. 8 around 8 p.m. According to the report, the victim went inside the gym to work out and returned to her vehicle to find the passenger side window was smashed to gain entry.