Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters was the arresting officer Wednesday afternoon after a suspected shoplifter was reported at a local home improvement store.
In a video posted to social media, Sheriff Waters said he was picking up a table at a Home Depot on Atlantic Boulevard near Girvin Road when the incident unfolded.
While speaking with retired Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Robbery Detective Clem Nieto inside the store, someone approached them and reported a theft in progress.
Waters and Nieto went outside where they found the suspect speaking with an associate.
When they reached out to grab the suspect, he pulled away and started running. Waters and Nieto followed.
Nieto tripped and fell and Waters continued in the pursuit, according to the sheriff.
The chase continued through the parking lot into a grassy area where Waters was able to get him to the ground and get leverage while the suspect struggled to get away.
Waters was able to get the suspect into handcuffs and proceeded to take him into custody.
The suspect is accused of attempting to leave the store with roughly $500 in merchandise. He has been charged with theft and resisting. He also had two active warrants for theft.
JSO said the sheriff was unharmed during the incident.
“Just because I was elected sheriff doesn’t mean I’m no longer a policeman,” Sheriff Waters said.