A man who attempted to escape police after allegedly stealing clothing from a store in the Devonport CBD has been arrested.
The 38-year-old from Launceston was one of two men who, according to police, had allegedly taken items from a business on Sunday afternoon.
The pair were spotted by officers on foot patrol in the area before running off, leading to a foot chase through the CBD.
Police say while one man managed to escaped, the other “unlawfully entered a parked vehicle” while the driver was inside.
Officers later apprehended the man in the vehicle and took him into custody with the use of pepper spray.
The 38-year-old was detained overnight and is scheduled to appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court today, facing charges of aggravated assault, attempted escape and four counts of theft.
“Police are following a specific line of inquiry in relation to the second man and would like to thank members of the public who assisted them during the incident,” a spokesperson said.
“Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.”
Nobody was physically injured as a result of the incident.
