People v. Brexton

In 2001, following a jury trial, defendant, James A. Brexton, was convicted of escape (720 ILCS 5/31 — 6(c) (West 2000)). Because his conviction qualified as a Class X felony, the court sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment. He now appeals his conviction.

The following was adduced at trial. On June 3, 2001, in Freeport, police officer Fred Cass responded to a dispatch indicating that a suspected shoplifter was on a bicycle behind the local K mart store. When Cass arrived on the scene, he saw defendant standing behind the store with a bicycle between his legs. He then observed defendant…