Retail theft suspect allegedly found possessing illegal drugs at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 401 East Palatine Road in Arlington Heights (CARDINAL NEWS). YouTube Tips ⓘ
Police from Arlington Heights arrested a retail theft suspect at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 401 East Palatine Road, just before closing time on Friday night, April 3, 2026. During the arrest, police identified the male suspect from Prospect Heights, discovered the merchandise that was allegedly stolen at the store, and also discovered illegal drugs possessed by the suspect.
Arthur Giernalczyk, age 26, of the block of 1300 Cove Street in Prospect Heights, was arrested at 8:57 p.m. Friday, April 3, 2026. The suspect allegedly took the following merchandise past the store’s last point of sale without paying …
Nike men’s shoes valued at $94.97,
Lizard Skin bat grip valued at $21.99,
Mace/Pepper spray valued at $14.99, and
a folding knife valued at $39.99.
The full value of the stolen merchandise was $171.94, which did not exceed $300. Illinois retail theft involving property exceeding $300 in value is generally a Class 3 felony, punishable by 2–5 years in prison, and up to $25,000 in fines.
During the arrest, Arlington Heights police officers allegedly discovered Arthur Giernalczyk possessing illegal drugs, including 9 tablets of Clonazepam (Benzodiazepine), and a substance containing MDMA (Ecstasy), according to the Arlington Heights Police Department.
Possession of Clonazepam (Benzodiazepine) without a valid prescription is considered a Class 4 Felony, and possession of a small amount can be punished by 1 to 3 years in prison, and up to $25,000 in fines.
Possession of MDMA (Ecstasy) in small amounts is punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison, and up to $25,000 in fines.
Arthur Giernalczyk allegedly resisted arrest by clenching his arms and refusing to be handcuffed in an effort to defeat his arrest, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department.
The next scheduled court date for Arthur Giernalczyk is April 28, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 108 at the Rolling Meadows Cook County Circuit Court.
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