Needle-wielding thief said he had AIDS

Caught stealing champagne at a Mundelein supermarket, a shoplifter claimed he had AIDS and threatened employees with a hypodermic needle, police said Tuesday.

The man fled the store without hurting anyone but was arrested a few minutes later, Mundelein police said. He later recanted his claim about having the potentially deadly disease, police said.

Robert M. Farrell, 28, of Richmond, was charged with felony retail theft, felony aggravated battery and misdemeanor aggravated assault.

The suspect was confronted by employees at Dominick's Finer Foods, 1150 W. Maple Ave., about 7:45 p.m. Monday after he walked out with six bottles of Moet champagne worth about $257, police Sgt. John Monahan said.

After being brought back inside the store, the suspect pushed a manager, pulled out the syringe and yelled, "I have AIDS, get back," Monahan said.

Police said the suspect swung the needle at employees but didn't hit anyone and then left on foot. Police searched the area and found him about a block away, Monahan said.

The suspect did not resist when he was arrested, police said. He told officers he claimed to have AIDS to scare people and make his escape, Monahan said.

"Luckily, no one was hurt," Monahan said.

Farrell was held Tuesday in Lake County jail on $150,000 bond. He is next scheduled to appear in court Oct. 12.