A 37-year-old Castlegar man is facing a shoplifting charge after being confronted at a Nelson business and running away.
Police say store staff followed the suspect and called police, directing them to the area around Cottonwood Falls. They then spotted him heading back toward their business. Officers arrived and arrested him, and found his vehicle in the parking lot.
A search turned up over $600 worth of goods the man allegedly stole from the store.
The man faces charges of theft, possession of stolen property, and escaping custody.
Acting Sgt. Paul Burkart says police are commending the staff on how they dealt with the suspect and how they responded when he fled.
“After the initial contact where the offender was confronted, staff kept their distance and did not try to apprehend him, but instead provided police with valuable information regarding his location and description,” he says.