By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
A Salina man was arrested on multiple requested charges, including battery of a law enforcement officer, after an alleged shoplifting incident Sunday afternoon.
An officer was sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, at approximately 4:30 p.m. Sunday for a report of shoplifting.
The store's loss prevention department had made contact with a man who they believed was attempting to shoplift multiple items from the store. The loss prevention personnel had allowed the man to use the restroom, and he was returning from the restroom when the officer arrived. When the man saw the officer, he allegedly attempted to run from the officer, Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning.
The man, identified as Michael Crowder, 55, of Salina, fell before exiting the store and an alleged physical confrontation between Crowder and the officer ensued. At one point, Crowder allegedly took the officer's radio. A bit later, a Walmart employee used the radio to alert the dispatch center about the altercation, Forrester said. The officer's uniform also was torn during the incident.
Two other officers arrived and were able to take Crowder into custody, Forrester said. When Crowder was taken into custody, he allegedly was found to be in possession of what is believed to be methamphetamine.
Forrester said that Crowder was arrested on the following requested charges.
●Possession of methamphetamine
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
●Theft
●Battery of a law enforcement officer
●Felony interference
●Criminal damage to property
Forrester said that Crowder is alleged to have stolen multiple items totaling more than $100, including the following.
●Twenty-four Sharpie pens
●A two-inch paintbrush
●A FRAM oil filter
●A FRAM air filter
●Some polyurethane
●Some Valvoline engine oil
●A gallon of kerosene