Suspect who cops say hit officer with car arrested

Round Lake Beach police said Tuesday that a man suspected of hitting a police officer with a car while fleeing from a store parking lot is in custody.

Police said Cedric D. Brown, 43, whose last known address was the 1000 Block of Pacific, Waukegan, was located at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday by Waukegan police officers.

Brown had been sought on a warrant in connection with an incident that took place at the Round Lake Beach Wal-Mart on Sunday.

The warrant was for aggravated battery, resisting a peace officer and burglary, with a bond of $500,000.

Police said Brown was transported to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan.

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

Brown 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.

• Daily Herald staff writer Lee Filas contributed to this report.