A 25-year-old Lynwood, Illinois woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a series of incidents involving retail theft, hotel trespassing, and injury to a police officer in Schererville.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Destiny Singleton was identified as a suspect in a prior theft at Strack and Van Til, where personal hygiene items valued at more than $120 were stolen earlier this month. On January 5, 2026, Singleton allegedly returned to the store and took two bottled Starbucks coffees without paying. When confronted, she reportedly smashed one of the glass jars and left the store with the remaining item.
Store employees later informed police that the suspect was believed to be staying at a nearby hotel. Officers were subsequently dispatched to Hometown Inn and Suites, where hotel staff reported a woman had unlawfully re-entered a room after being removed earlier for nonpayment.
Police located Singleton outside the hotel and attempted to detain her. Authorities say she ignored commands to stop and actively resisted arrest by pulling away, twisting, dropping her weight, and kicking. During the struggle, an officer sustained an injury to his left thumb, resulting in pain and swelling.
Singleton was taken into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail. Officers recovered a black bag allegedly used in the thefts, containing new personal hygiene products and bottled coffee.
Charges filed on January 7, 2026, include:
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Battery against a public safety official (Level 6 felony)
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Resisting law enforcement (Class A misdemeanor)
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Theft (Class A misdemeanor)