Suspect Charged and in Custody
O’Fallon, Illinois – February 22, 2017 – On Wednesday, February 22, 2017 the St. Clair County State’s Attorney issued the following charges against Kenneth W. Whitson, 62 years old of Tipton, Missouri:
Attempting to Disarm a Peace Officer (Class 2 Felony)
Aggravated Battery to a Peace Officer (Class 2 Felony)
Retail Theft subsequent (Class 4 Felony)
Resisting a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony)
These charges stem from a Retail Theft incident investigated by the O’Fallon Police Department on February 21st at the Aldi’s Grocery Store, 1635 West Highway 50, O’Fallon. Whitson was suspected in committing repeated thefts at Aldi’s in the past and was recognized in the store by Aldi’s employees on February 21st. The first arriving O’Fallon Officer witnessed Whitson commit a theft and when the Officer approached to affect an arrest, Whitson physically resisted and made numerous attempts to disarm the officer. During the struggle, two concerned citizens provided assistance to the Officer in successfully subduing Whitson.
The Officer did not sustain any injuries, however, Whitson was transported to a local hospital for pre-existing medical conditions. Whitson was released from the hospital and was subsequently returned to police custody.
Bond has been set at $50,000 and Whitson was remanded to the St. Clair County Jail.
Whitson has an extensive criminal history to include multiple felony convictions and is currently on parole in the State of Illinois. He has spent multiple years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for burglary, theft and aggravated battery.
The O’Fallon Police Department graciously thanks the good Samaritans who came to the aid of the O’Fallon Police Officer.
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Additional Information Contact:
O’Fallon Police Department
618-624-4500