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Lake Geneva man arrested after dragging mall cop through parking lot

RACINE — A Lake Geneva man is facing a series of charges after allegedly dragging a security guard more the 50 feet through a Racine mall parking lot.

Roger E. Budner, 41, is accused of stealing a coffee maker from a store in the Regency Mall and faces charges of attempted strong-armed robbery, reckless endangerment of safety, battery, retail theft and disorderly conduct, according to court records.

The Racine Journal Times reports that the 23-year-old security guard watched Budner take the $179 coffee maker and then walk past the last point of purchase at J.C. Penney Tuesday just after 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The guard told officers he chased Budner, who fled out the northwest doors of the store, across the parking lot into the Applebee's restaurant parking lot.

The security guard stopped Budner, but as he was reaching for his handcuffs, Budner allegedly got into a parked Volvo and started the car. Police said Budner then drove off, with the security guard's arm trapped in the window of the vehicle.

Budner allegedly drove for 50 to 75 feet before the security guard successfully reached the keys and stopped the car, according to the Journal Times.

Budner was released from the Racine County Jail Thursday after posting a $1,000 cash bond, according to court records. He is expected back in court March 11 for a preliminary hearing.