Bronx NY Man Arrested for Shoplifting, Attempted Assault on Officer

A Bronx NY man was arrested and charged with shoplifting and attempted assault on a police officer after he allegedly tried to steal some items from CVS Pharmacy in Westport on Sunday morning.

Westport Police said they were called to CVS Pharmacy on a report of a male suspect who was attempting to shoplift Items.

On arrival the manager informed officers that the male had been acting suspiciously. When employees confronted the man he reportedly fled the store and discarded several packages he had hidden in his clothing.

After obtaining the suspect’s description and viewing surveillance photos at the store, police began an active search along Route 1. The suspect was observed seated in a vehicle in the rear of the Home Goods store located at 1817 Post Road East.

Officers approached the vehicle and ordered the suspect out of the car. Although the suspect was initially compliant, he suddenly started the vehicle and drove at the officer, who reportedly dove out of the way to avoid being struck, according to a police report.

The suspect then drove the vehicle at a high rate of speed through the adjacent Stop & Shop parking lot and then fled the vehicle on foot. Officers pursued the suspect on foot for a short distance and took him into custody.

The suspect was identified as Akinola Ebanks, 26, of 1562 Union Port Rd., Bronx NY. He was charged with criminal attempt at assault on a police officer, interfering with an officer, reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, fourth degree larceny, criminal attempt at larceny.

Ebanks was held on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.