By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
A 38-year-old man faces multiple requested charges after an incident at a south Salina store Thursday.
Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that an officer was sent to Walmart, 2900 S. Ninth Street, at 11:15 a.m. Thursday for the report of an alleged shoplifter being confrontational with staff.
Walmart loss prevention staff reported that a man, identified as Rickey Thompson, 38, had been seen putting miscellaneous food items and office supplies in a backpack. When he attempted to leave, they confronted Thompson, who allegedly dropped the backpack and began chasing the Walmart personnel, Forrester said. The staff members ran back to the office and attempted to lock themselves in, but Thompson allegedly hit one of them with the door when they entered the office.
When the officer arrived, she located Thompson in the Walmart parking lot and attempted to make contact with him, but he fled, Forrester said. The officer gave chase and caught up with Thompson at the intersection of S. Ninth Street and Debold Avenue. When the officer attempted to arrest him, Thompson pushed her to the ground, Forrester said. Another officer arrived and both officers were able to subdue Thompson and arrest him.
Thompson was arrested on the following requested charges.
●Theft
●Two counts of assault
●Battery
●Interference with a law enforcement officer
●Battery of a law enforcement officer
●Possession of methamphetamine
●Possession of drug paraphernalia
The officer who was pushed to the ground was not injured, Forrester said.