JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters stopped a theft in progress Wednesday afternoon, April 8, after chasing down and subduing a suspect outside a hardware store on Atlantic Boulevard.
According to authorities, Waters was at the store’s customer service area picking up an order when an employee alerted him to a man attempting to leave with approximately $500 in unpaid merchandise. Waters, along with a retired robbery detective who was at the scene, pursued the suspect on foot.
Officials said the suspect tried to evade capture when Waters grabbed at his sweatshirt, twisting away and continuing toward the edge of the parking lot. Waters caught up to the man and took him to the ground, where the suspect resisted. With assistance from the retired detective, the two were able to restrain and handcuff him as onlookers cheered.
District 2 Patrol officers responded shortly after and assumed control of the investigation.
The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Raymond Pena Jr. of Jacksonville. He faces charges of theft and resisting arrest and was also found to have two active warrants for theft.
Neither Waters nor the retired detective was injured during the incident.
“Just because I was elected sheriff doesn’t mean I’m no longer a policeman,” Waters said.
Authorities said the sheriff indicated he will continue to take action when needed to protect the community.