Man armed with knife charged with attempting to rob Woodridge store

(WOODRIDGE) A man is charged with trying to rob a grocery store in west suburban Woodridge early Tuesday.

Christopher Esbensen entered the Jewel-Osco in the 2300 block of West 75th Street about 4 a.m., walked up to the customer service desk and grabbed a pack of cigarettes, according to a statement from Woodridge police.

When he got to the check-out line, he tried to steal money from the cash register, police said. The clerk shut the drawer and another customer grabbed Esbensen from behind.

The clerk saw that Esbensen had a knife and told the customer, who threw Esbensen to the ground, police said. He got up and ran away.

Esbensen, of Bolingbrook, was later arrested by police after a foot chase, according to the statement. He was charged with armed robbery, aggravated battery and retail theft.