Woman cuts in line at Hobart store, attacks woman behind her: police
by Lori Caldwell Sun-Times Media October 26, 2012 6:56PM
Chalonder Ervin. | Provided Photo~Sun-Times Media ptmet
Updated: October 29, 2012 12:27PM
A shopper at a Ross department store in Northwest Indiana is accused of choking another customer who complained that she took “cuts,” authorities say.
Chalonder L. Ervin, 34, is charged with felony strangulation and misdemeanor battery for an Oct. 12 confrontation caught on store surveillance video, Hobart, Ind. police said.
Charging information states Ervin works at the Department of Family and Children Services, however Indiana officials have no record of her employment. A spokesman in Illinois also said she did not work for them.
The victim told Hobart police Detective James Gonzales she was standing in a checkout line with her young daughter, while holding her 1-year-old son. Her daughter was whining because she wanted a Barbie doll as they waited their turn.
When a new register opened and the victim stepped over, Ervin cut in front of her, according to authorities.
The victim, a Hobart woman, said, “Excuse me, I was next,” and Ervin responded, “Maybe you should get control of your daughter, maybe you should try slapping her,” the probable cause affidavit states.
The victim said she pointed at Ervin and said, “You don’t talk about my daughter.”
Witnesses said they saw Ervin “lunge” at the woman and grab her by the neck.
Another customer stepped between the two women to break up the fight. The victim had scratches on her face and neck, police said.
The suspect left the store and the alleged victim later filed a police report.
While they had a videotape of the incident, police didn’t didn’t know who the suspect was until they received an anonymous tip.
“I appreciate the information that helped to identify this woman. Anyone who calls to provide an identification can be anonymous,” Gonzales said.
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