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MILFORD, Mass. – A Grafton man was Tased by Milford police Tuesday after he allegedly tried to steal a shopping cart full of merchandise at Target, police said.
Michael Pete Harding, 50, of 54 Tulip Circle, South Grafton, was arrested and charged with larceny over $250 and resisting arrest.
At 6:56 p.m., Milford officers responded to the Target department store at 250 Fortune Blvd. for a report of shoplifting.
Store loss prevention personnel reported to police that they saw a man trying to conceal merchandise worth more than $300. They said they recognized him as someone they’d had encounters with before, according to the police report.
An officer arrived at the store around 7 p.m. and positioned himself outside so he could monitor everyone exiting. The officer immediately saw Harding running toward the exit pushing a loaded shopping cart. He was being chased by a Target security official, police said.
The officer ordered Harding to stop, but he continued running to the parking lot, according to police. When Harding tripped and fell to the ground, the officer grabbed his arm.
Harding attempted to push the officer away, then pulled the officer toward him several times in an attempt to break free, according to police. The officer then unholstered his Taser and ordered Harding to stop resisting or he would be Tased, police said.
Harding continued to struggle with the officer and was Tased in the abdominal area, according to police. Harding immediately went to the ground and complied with the officer’s orders, police said. He was cuffed and secured until other units arrived.
EMS and Milford Fire responded and evaluated Harding before he was transported to headquarters for booking. Harding refused treatment.
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