West Virginia man leads police on foot chase through Trinity Point
A West Virginia man who allegedly was caught stealing from Walmart Monday night led police on a chase through Trinity Point before he jumped a fence, crossed Interstate 70 and hid under a bush.
Michael Richard Martin, 28, of Paden City, was allegedly seen putting about $284 worth of merchandise into a backpack while he was at Walmart just after 7 p.m. The store’s loss prevention team was about to detain him when he ran from the store.
South Strabane police saw him in the PNC parking lot, but when they approached him, he ran again, according to the criminal complaint. He ran to Applebee’s restaurant, before police followed him into Red Lobster. Martin allegedly ran through the kitchen and out an emergency exit, setting off the restaurant’s alarm system.
He then ran behind Krispy Kreme, jumped a fence and crossed I-70, the complaint said. Police said they found him hiding under a bush in a grassy area between I-70 and Route 19. By 8 p.m. they had arrested him.
Police found 50 pill pouches and six empty stamp bags on Martin’s person. He was charged with retail theft, flight to avoid apprehension, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arraigned Monday night by District Judge David Mark and jailed on $20,000 bond.