A Madison County senior citizen is suing a local Hardees, claiming a man followed him into the restroom and attacked him in a violent attempt to steal his wallet.
Joel Cox filed a lawsuit on July 8 in Madison County Circuit Court against Hardees Food Systems, Eric Manthei, and Samantha Harlow, alleging negligence, premises liability, battery, attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery in 2013.
According to the filing, on July 13, 2013, Cox, a patron at the 519 Belt Line Road Hardees location in Collinsville, was attacked in the facility’s restroom by Manthei in an attempted robbery, sustaining a broken nose, throat injuries and other fractures.
The suit says Hardees failed to provide a safe and secure environment for its invitees and establish security guidelines for franchise owners. The lawsuit states Manthei is currently incarcerated by the Illinois Department of Corrections, in the Centralia Correctional Center.
The lawsuit states Manthei and Harlow entered the restaurant together but never ordered food and, instead, Manthei followed Cox into the restroom, placed him in a choke hold, and attempted to take his wallet while Harlow exited the premises. Following the attack, the suit states, Manthei left the scene in a vehicle with Harlow.
Cox, 87, alleges physical pain, mental anguish, disability, medical bills, hindrance from performing his usual activities, and loss of a normal life.
Cox seeks compensation for more than $50,000, attorney fees and costs. He is represented by attorney Joseph N. Reames of The Law Office of Joseph N. Reames in Wood River.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 15-L-868.