Halifax Regional Police have apprehended a 39-year-old man following an incident involving theft at the Halifax Shopping Centre. The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when officers responded to reports of stolen merchandise at the Sport Chek store.

According to police reports, officers received a call regarding the theft at approximately 4:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the scene, they observed a man fleeing from the store with items that had not been paid for. The suspect's attempt to evade capture included getting into the passenger side of a vehicle parked on Cook Avenue.

Responding officers successfully intercepted the vehicle, prompting the suspect to exit abruptly. Upon confronting the officers, the suspect resisted arrest, leading to a physical altercation. During the encounter, both the suspect and the arresting officer suffered minor injuries, resulting in both individuals being transported to the hospital via Emergency Health Services (EHS).

Fortunately, both the suspect and the officer were released from the hospital shortly afterwards. However, the suspect has remained in police custody following the incident. He is scheduled to appear in Halifax provincial court on Monday to face multiple charges. These include theft under $5,000, possession of stolen goods under $5,000, breach of a release order, and resisting arrest.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues surrounding retail theft and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such crimes. The swift response from the Halifax Regional Police illustrates their commitment to maintaining public safety and holding individuals accountable for their actions.