While cooking grills were out in full force to help celebrate Memorial Day and the arrival of summer, one grill was stolen and taken for a holiday ride near Anmoore Monday afternoon.
According to Corporal Robert Cook of the Clarksburg Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. and began at the EastPointe K-Mart, where a male suspect allegedly shoplifted a grill which was sitting in front of the store.
The suspect then allegedly placed the grill in the trunk of the 1990 Pontiac he was driving, which, according to Cook, was also taken without permission. Without closing the trunk, the suspect continued to Tolley's Bible Bookstore in NewPointe Plaza, where he allegedly stole a few more items.
During this shoplifting spree, the suspect was being tracked by an off-duty Bridgeport police officer. The officer called 911, and Corporal Cook reported to the scene.
Cook passed the suspect going in the opposite direction near the bottom of Exit 117 off 1nterstate 79 as the suspect was travelling toward East View on state Route 58. Cook then turned on his sirens and lights, and began to chase the suspect.
A few miles into the chase, the suspect turned off onto a side-street, which eventually led to a dead end. Here, the suspect abandoned the car and ran into a wooded area, where he escaped arrest. The stolen items were recovered, including the car.
According to Cook, police officials believe they know who the suspect is, but cannot release his name until warrants are issued.
Staff writer Danny Forinash can be reached at 626-1446.
