Hunter
04/28/26
A confrontation over spitting of sunflower seeds has led to felony charges against an Illinois man soliciting at an intersection.
The incident occurred Monday evening at 7:40. According to court documents, 38-year-old transient Chayanne Quiles of Joliet was at the intersection of Highway 1 West and Westport Plaza soliciting for money when he reportedly confronted a motorist for spitting sunflower seeds out of his window where he was walking. Quiles then allegedly opened the driver’s side door of the motorist’s truck, struck him in the left arm with a baseball bat, and took his phone.
The victim got out of his truck, and Quiles attempted to hit him several more times with the bat before he got back in his truck and left.
The victim returned about a half-hour later and asked him where his phone was. Quiles reporteldy responded by striking the truck’s hood with his bat, leaving a dent.
The victim’s phone was found among Quiles’ belongings, and police say the victim had redness and bruising on his left arm where he had been hit by the bat.
Quiles faces a number of charges, including 1st degree Robbery, 4trh degree Criminal Mischief, 1st degree Burglary, 4th degree Theft, and Assault while Displaying a Dangerous Weapon. If convicted on all counts, Quiles could be sentenced to a maximum 54 years in prison.