OHIO — Four teenagers were arrested Wednesday night following an alleged theft at a Walmart store and a brief foot chase involving police in Boardman.
According to the Boardman Police Department, officers were dispatched around 7:40 p.m. to the Walmart located at 1300 Doral Drive after reports that several juveniles had stolen merchandise and fled from store employees.
Loss prevention staff told police they observed a group of teens, ranging in age from 12 to 14, concealing items using the store’s surveillance system. When employees attempted to detain the group, the teens were reportedly uncooperative and ran from the store.
Police said officers located one of the teens nearby and ordered him to stop, but he continued to run, prompting a chase through nearby shopping centers. Officers eventually apprehended the teen. A search revealed a vape device, according to the incident report. The 13-year-old was charged with theft, obstructing official business, and underage possession of a tobacco product. Due to his age, officers did not place him in handcuffs.
The remaining three teens allegedly involved were later located in the area and arrested without incident on theft charges.
All four juveniles were issued criminal trespass warnings and informed they are prohibited from returning to the business for a period of two years.
