An attempt to steal pet medication from a department store turned into a robbery that included a chase across the freeway and came to an end with a blitz tackle in a book store.
The incident began around 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Target store at 3000 Countryside Dr. Store security was attempting to detain a man for shoplifting $40 worth of flea and tick medicine when the suspect pulled out a knife and threatened the security personnel, Turlock Police Lt. Jeff Lopes said.
The man fled with the stolen merchandise, but Turlock police officers were already on their way and gave chase after the suspect, boxing off his escape route.
The police report states the man ran from Target across Highway 99 to the Costco shopping center, then back across the freeway and into the Border’s book store at 2831 Countryside Dr.
Inside the store, the suspect refused the officers’ orders to surrender and was subsequently tackled to the floor inside the store. The suspect continued to fight and resist officers the entire time, Lopes said.
The suspect refused to give his name or answer any questions. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for robbery and resisting. Though his fingerprints were taken at his booking, his identity has still not been determined, possibly because he has no criminal record and/or because he is not in the country legally.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.