Knife-wielding shoplifting suspect sought

The Yuma Police Department is seeking an alleged shoplifter who became involved in a “scuffle” with employees involving a knife.

The incident happened just before 2:40 p.m. Tuesday at Hastings, 2820 S. 4th Ave., police said.

After employees caught the man shoplifting an unspecified item, they tried to stop him from leaving. The man brandished a knife and fled west on his bicycle. No serious injuries were reported.

YPD described the man as medium-complexioned, 35 to 40 years old, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and about 170 pounds. He has short black hair, a black mustache, and a black and white goatee and was last seen wearing a blue muscle shirt, dark blue shorts and a blue mesh hat.

YPD encourages anyone with information about this case to call Detective Trabue at 373-4679, or 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.