Lynwood Woman Charged After Retail Theft, Hotel Incident, Injury to Officer
A 25-year-old Lynwood, Illinois woman, Destiny Singleton, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following a series of incidents in Schererville that included retail theft, resisting arrest, and injury to a police officer.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on January 5, 2026, at approximately 10:30 a.m., officers with the Schererville Police Department were dispatched to Strack and Van Til regarding a female suspect believed to be involved in a prior theft of personal hygiene products valued at more than $120.
The affidavit states store personnel reported that on a previous date in January 2026, a female later identified as Singleton entered the store and stole multiple personal hygiene items valued at approximately $120. On the current date, the same female returned and took two glass jars of bottled Starbucks coffee valued at approximately $4.50 each. When confronted by store personnel, the affidavit states Singleton smashed one of the glass jars on the ground and left the store with the remaining jar without paying.
Store management advised officers they believed the female was staying at a nearby hotel. Later that morning, officers were dispatched to Hometown Inn and Suites regarding a female who had previously been removed by police and had unlawfully re-entered a room without paying.
According to the affidavit, hotel management requested the female be removed and arrested for theft of services. Officers located a female matching the suspect’s description outside the hotel. When officers attempted to stop her, the affidavit states she continued walking away despite commands to stop.
Officers reported that Singleton actively resisted arrest by pulling away, dropping her weight, twisting, and kicking. During the struggle, the affidavit states Singleton caused injury to an officer’s left thumb, resulting in pain and swelling.
Singleton was eventually placed into custody and transported to the Lake County Jail. Officers took possession of a black bag allegedly used in the shoplifting incident, which contained new personal hygiene items and bottled Starbucks coffee.
Charges filed January 7,2026:
• Battery Against a Public Safety Official – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
