Drunk Man Causes Chaos at Walmart — Then Fights Police

A disturbance outside a Walmart in Joliet, Illinois, quickly escalated into a physical confrontation when police responded to reports of a man behaving erratically in the parking lot.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. on May 21, 2023, at the Walmart on West Jefferson Street. Police were called after reports that a man was jumping at vehicles and throwing objects in the parking area. When officers arrived, they encountered 30-year-old Chicago resident Miguel Rodriguez, who police said appeared to be intoxicated.

THE WALMART PARKING LOT DESCENDS INTO CHAOS

OFFICERS ARRIVED TO FIND A MAN MOVING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AND CAUSING A DISTURBANCE AROUND PARKED VEHICLES.

According to police, Rodriguez attempted to strike an officer as they tried to take control of the situation. The punch reportedly missed, but the confrontation did not end there.

As officers attempted to place him under arrest, police said Rodriguez struck an officer in the arm twice. The encounter then became a foot pursuit as Rodriguez ran through the parking lot in an attempt to get away.

POLICE DEPLOY A TASER

THE SUSPECT CONTINUED RESISTING, FORCING OFFICERS TO USE A TASER TO STOP THE ESCAPE.

After a brief struggle, officers were able to take Rodriguez into custody. Police said his level of intoxication was significant enough that he was transported by Joliet Fire Department ambulance to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center for evaluation. He was later released from the hospital and booked into the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

ARREST FOLLOWS THE PHYSICAL STRUGGLE

Rodriguez was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer and resisting a peace officer, according to the report.

WHAT STARTED AS A DISTURBANCE IN A WALMART PARKING LOT QUICKLY BECAME A PHYSICAL STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE MAN AND RESPONDING OFFICERS.

The bodycam footage gives viewers a close look at how officers handled the encounter as they attempted to gain control of the situation and safely complete the arrest.