Local News in Brief : Costa Mesa : Suspect in Shoplifting Flees; Car Drags Guard
A shoplifter who was handcuffed by a store security guard escaped Monday by jumping into a waiting car, which drove away dragging the guard, police said.
The guard, who was slightly injured but did not require medical attention, followed the suspect to the parking lot of the Fedco store at 3030 Harbor Blvd. on Monday afternoon, according to Costa Mesa Police Lt. Sam Cordiro.
The guard was attempting to arrest the suspect, who is believed to have stolen a $44 drill, when the man climbed into a Volkswagen Beetle. An accomplice drove away, dragging the guard for about 75 feet, Cordiro said.
Security agents at the store spotted the man because he was wearing a blue parka-style coat on the warm afternoon, Cordiro said. Shoplifters commonly use such coats to conceal stolen goods, he added.
The suspect was described as a white male with a brown handlebar mustache. He is 25 to 30 years old, 5 foot, 11 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
