Rochester Shoplifting Suspect Accused of Assaulting Police Officer
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- One of two suspects in a shoplifting incident at a Rochester store is accused of assaulting an officer.
See Also: 33-Year-Old Man Killed in Winona Duplex Fire
The criminal complaint, filed in Olmsted County Court on Wednesday, says officers responded to the alleged theft shortly after 8:00 Tuesday night.
Rochester police arrested the suspect accused of committing the assault about three hours later.
Charges: 18-Year-Old Accused of Shoplifting at Northwest Rochester Store Assaulted Rochester Police Officer
18-year-old Eryn Rinae Buchanan of Rochester is charged with simple robbery, felony theft, felony fourth-degree assault of a peace officer and gross misdemeanor obstructing the legal process.
The charges say police responded to an unnamed business located on Marketplace Dr. NW on the report of two people shoplifting.
An employee told police that Buchanan and another female had loaded a shopping cart with merchandise and walked out of the store. An employee intercepted the duo at the door and held onto the cart until Buchanan threatened to mace the worker, the complaint says.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and saw Buchanan and the other suspect enter a vehicle. Shortly after 11 p.m., officers found the vehicle at an apartment complex along 41st St. NW.
Buchanan was riding in the vehicle and was told she was under arrest. After being placed in handcuffs, Buchanan refused to follow officer commands and had to be forced into the squad, the court document says.
She then began kicking her legs and struck an officer below his eye with her foot. Inside the vehicle, police found items that had been reported stolen from the store, the complaint says.
Buchanan and the other suspect, who is not named in the complaint, are accused of stealing $1,362.83 worth of merchandise.
Buchanan made her first court appearance on Wednesday and was released without bail. She is due back in court next month.
Stores and Restaurants We Want to See in Rochester
Gallery Credit: Carly Ross
More From Y-105FM
