JONESBORO, AR – A suspect is facing a series of charges after he reportedly shoplifted from Walmart and fought with police during his arrest.
According to the incident report, the incident began at the Walmart, 1815 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, on Nov. 10 at approximately 3:29 p.m. Officer Issa O’Day was one of those called to report shoplifting. Walmart advised that the suspect fled on foot eastbound on Highland Drive. Officers did not immediately locate the suspect, but located him a short time later at Highland and Callaway Road. The officer stopped the vehicle and instructed the suspect not to move, but the suspect did not comply.
When the officer approached the suspect to take him into custody, he forcibly pulled him away and struck the officer in the left shoulder, the report said. The man then began to run away with police chasing him. He eventually caught up with the suspect in the parking lot of an auto tire store, where the suspect fell to the ground. The officer repeatedly instructed the man to turn over and put his hands behind his back, but the man refused.
Officers tried to handcuff the man, but the report said the suspect tried to get away, rolled over and punched him multiple times. Officers told the man he would be taped if he did not comply, but the suspect got back on his feet and began to flee. The Taser produced the desired effect of a full-body lockdown, and responding officers arrested the man.
Macharen J. Reynolds, 26, address not released, was arrested on charges of theft, assault, resisting arrest, and fleeing. His first felony charge was reduced to assault by detectives because the officer was not injured. Mr. Reynolds also had warrants for failure to pay fines and failure to appear in court.