Contributed Photo/Courtesy GCSO: Jimmy Vasquez was busted for shoplifting and possession of marijuana after a brief foot chase.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – A man who allegedly attempted to shoplift more than $1,000 worth of goods from Walmart was apprehended after a brief chase and taken to jail.
Jimmy Vasquez, 27, of Safford, was arrested Sunday, Oct. 25, and booked into the Graham County Adult Detention Facility on a felony charge of shoplifting and possession of marijuana. He was later formally charged by the Graham County Attorney’s Office with theft/shoplifting with a prior conviction within five years, theft/shoplifting of goods with a value of more than $1,000, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to a Safford Police report, Vasquez and another individual were seen attempting to walk out of the tire and lube entrance with carts full of goods. Vasquez was confronted by a store associate past the point of sale. Once contacted, Vasquez relinquished the cart and briskly left the area. The second male allegedly identified Vasquez to the associate before he was allowed to leave.
An officer located a subject matching the description of the first suspect (Vasquez) running south through a dirt field by the Safford High School. The officer recognized Vasquez from prior contacts and ordered him through his vehicle’s PA system to stop. According to the officer’s report, Vasquez looked back at him and then continued running.
The officer chased Vasquez on foot through the field, ordering him several times to stop, he reported. Vasquez then became tired and dropped to his knees and was taken into custody. At that time, Vasquez was searched and a small amount of marijuana was located in his possession. Vasquez allegedly said he found the marijuana on the ground earlier that day.
After being positively identified by the store associate, Vasquez was taken to jail and booked on the above-listed charges.
