A Kewanee woman is in jail after causing a series of disturbances on Friday, including grabbing a toddler by the arm and biting a police officer. Aretha Shaw, 49, remains in the Henry County Jail on a $50,000 (10%) bond for battery and resisting after causing multiple disturbances on April 21, 2023. Kewanee Police responded to Rose and Grove Streets around 2 PM for a report of a woman walking in the road yelling at cars. Officers located Aretha Shaw in the 300 block of 5th Avenue and advised her that she cannot cause a disturbance or be a traffic hazard. Officers offered Ms. Shaw a ride but she refused and left the scene.
A short time later, Kewanee Police responded to the same area for a complaint that Shaw was screaming that she was going to kill someone. Shaw left the area prior to officers arrival and started a fight with a female and her 2-year-old niece in the 900 block of Roseview Avenue. Shaw grabbed the toddler by the arm and attempted to to leave with the child. The child’s aunt knocked Shaw to the ground and safely retrieved the child. The child was unharmed during the incident.
Officers arrived at the Roseview residence and attempted to arrest Shaw when she fled from Officers on foot but was quickly apprehended. Shaw resisted arrest and bit an Officer’s hand during the scuffle, drawing blood. The Officer was treated and released at OSF St. Luke’s Medical Center.
After being secured in handcuffs, Shaw was transported to the Henry County Jail. Shaw was able to slip out of her handcuffs and began punching the windows of the squad car en route to the Jail. Officers were able to secure her in handcuffs again.
Shaw is charged with Aggravated Battery to a Child under 13 (Class 3 Felony), Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony), Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor), and Disorderly Conduct (Class C Misdemeanor). The Class 2 Felony carries a potential sentence of 3-7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2023, at 1 PM.
