Suspected Shoplifter Causes Scene at Apache Mall

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - It was quite a scene at Rochester’s Apache Mall Thursday.  

A security officer at Macy’s spotted a man who was suspected of shoplifting some expensive purses during an earlier visit to the store. The officer suspected the man was stealing more items and called 911 around 2 p.m. The suspect was outside the store when officers arrived. When he spotted them, he ran back inside where he began struggling with security officers. He punched one of them and then fled to the north side of the mall where he ran outside.

With officers in pursuit, the man ran back inside the mall to the JC Penney store where a police officer used a Taser to subdue him.

The man - identified as 44 year old Mario Peterson - is facing several charges. He has a criminal history that includes several theft-related convictions. His most recent was in November when he was placed on probation for 5 years.