Suspected JCPenney burglar falls through ceiling

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Police in Illinois are investigating after a man reportedly stole jewelry from the JCPenney store in Springfield.

Officers were called to the store around 5:45 a.m. Tuesday after an alarm was activated.

Arriving officers said one of the doors was damaged, allowing a man to enter the building.

A suspect, later identified as Johnathon Harter, 37, was seen walking around inside the business, officers said.

An arrest report said Harter tried to run from officers and climbed into the ceiling. Police said that's when Harter fell out of the ceiling and suffered numerous injuries.

Harter was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Police officers said they found evidence of stolen jewelry and burglary tools on Harter when he was arrested.

Harter was still in the hospital as of Tuesday morning.

Earlier in May, Harter was arrested in connection with a burglary to businesses in the 1100 block of North 5th Street. In that case, Harter allegedly used the ceiling to gain access to the building.