Despite multiple releases on shoplifters from Kohl’s being caught, one Stafford man’s attempt earned him a trip to Rappahannock Regional Jail and to the Sheriff’s Office’s naughty list.

On December 4th at approximately 5:20 p.m. First Sergeant D.F. Purcell and Deputy E.C. Taylor of the Special Problems Unit responded to Kohl’s, located at 1220 Stafford Market Place, for a shoplifting in progress. Staff advised they were watching a male stuff merchandise into a duffle bag. As deputies arrived on scene, the suspect was leaving the store. First Sergeant Purcell observed the suspect, and the suspect observed him. The suspect quickly began fleeing on foot.

As First Sergeant Purcell followed on foot, so did Deputy Taylor, but from his vehicle. Deputy Taylor drove behind the suspect until they reached the Quickway Japanese Hibachi restaurant, where the suspect ran up a grassy knoll too steep for Deputy Taylor’s vehicle. Deputy Taylor began to give chase on foot.

As they reached the Circle K, located at 34 Prosperity Lane, the suspect had been running for approximately .3 miles straight, while Deputy Taylor only had to run approximately 500 feet. By now the suspect was out of steam. Deputy Taylor was nowhere near out of steam and was able to catch up to the suspect. While the suspect began resisting arrest, a nearby party, who identified himself as a United States Marshall, jumped in to assist. The suspect was detained without further incident.

The suspect, identified as Bradley Patterson, 30, was determined to be under the influence. He was also found with suspected controlled substances on his person. The nearly $750 worth of merchandise was recovered and returned to the store. Patterson was charged with larceny, fleeing from law enforcement, public intoxication, possession of controlled substances, as well as, removing a shopping cart from a retail’s property. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Another great job to our Special Problems Unit, and thank you to the United States Marshall who assisted in the arrest.