PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — A man accused of attempting to steal baby formula from a Target store was arrested after allegedly fleeing officers and discarding a loaded handgun during the pursuit, according to the Plymouth Township Police Department.
Police identified the defendant as Johnathan Latore Shaquan Ward.
Officers responded Aug. 15 to Target at 2250 Chemical Road after a reported retail theft. Police allege Ward had been stopped by store loss prevention personnel after attempting to take multiple containers of baby formula and was uncooperative with employees.
When patrol officers attempted to take Ward into custody, police allege he resisted and fled through the front of the store into the parking lot.
During the foot pursuit, officers allegedly saw Ward kneel over a sewer grate and discard a Glock 43 9mm handgun before continuing to run, according to police. Officers subsequently took him into custody behind DSW Shoe Warehouse.
Police reported recovering the handgun from the sewer along with a magazine containing eight rounds of ammunition. Investigators determined Ward had prior criminal convictions that prohibit him from legally possessing a firearm.
Ward is charged with second-degree felony persons not to possess a firearm, third-degree felony carrying a firearm without a license, first-degree misdemeanor retail theft, first-degree misdemeanor receiving stolen property and second-degree misdemeanor evading arrest or detention on foot.
Police reported that bail was set at $50,000 cash and Ward was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after he was unable to post bail. A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jodi Griffis is scheduled for Sept. 1 at 9:30 a.m.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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