2 men charged in security guard attack

Two men -- one accused of stealing a $40 socket set -- face battery and other charges after police said their getaway car dragged a security guard and struck two parked cars.

Palatine police arrested James C. Downey, 21, of 225 N. Elmwood Ave. in Palatine, and Brad A. Downey, 23, of 128 Glendale Road in Buffalo Grove, following a confrontation around 2:10 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of Sears Essentials, 537 N. Hicks Road.

A 22-year-old male security guard confronted Brad Downey in the parking lot after police said he took the socket set without paying. James Downey then put the guard in a choke hold, prompting the guard to bite Downey in the arm, according to a police report.

As the two suspects attempted to flee in a 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, the guard clung to the open passenger door. He was dragged alongside as the men sped backward and knocked to the ground after the car slammed into a parked sport-utility vehicle. The Downeys, still in reverse, hit another parked car before driving away, the report said.

Witnesses got the license plate number, and officers were able to track the car to James Downey's home a short time later, while Brad Downey later turned himself in, authorities said.

James Downey was charged with battery and disorderly conduct. Brad Downey was charged with retail theft, battery, disorderly conduct, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving. Both men are due in court July 17.