Round Lake Beach police searching for suspect who hit officer with a car

Round Lake Beach Police are searching for a man accused of hitting a police officer with a car while trying to escape from a store parking lot.

Police were called to the Wal-Mart at 2680 N. Route 83 about 12:30 p.m. Sunday for a report of a retail theft, officials said.

Cedric D. Brown, 45, of Waukegan, saw officers arrive after leaving the store and ran to his nearby car, authorities said. As an officer approached and opened the vehicle door to apprehend Brown, Brown put the car in reverse to escape, authorities said.

The officer was struck by the open door and knocked to the ground, authorities said. The officer suffered scrapes and bruises, but is doing fine and has returned to work, authorities said.

Police discovered the vehicle about 90 minutes later in the 800 block of Seneca Trail in Round Lake Heights. A search of the area was conducted, but Brown was not located.

Authorities are still obtaining charges against Brown, officials said.

Police are searching for Brown, and anyone with information about his location is urged to contact the Round Lake Beach Police at (847) 546-2127,