-
Milton Joe Harris
A Port Arthur policeman walked into a local Walgreens May 5 and immediately recognized a 31-year-old shopper as a wanted man he chased just a week prior. According to a probable cause affidavit penned by PAPD Officer Lopez, PAPD was chasing Milton Joe Harris on a warrant for evading detention with a motor vehicle.
“Harris was standing in the line to check out with the clerk,” reported Officer Lopez. “Harris also observed me and then started to slowly back up as I checked out with dispatch.”
Harris then quickly walked away and went further into the store, according to PAPD. Telling Harris he wouldn’t get away this time around, Lopez blocked the fugitive’s attempt to run around the check-out area for the doors.
“Harris and I then went back and forth from side to side in the main entrance area as he was trying to trick me (into) leaving the doorway area,” Lopez wrote. “Harris then took a quick jump start and ran towards me as if he was going to run me over and push through the door.”
That’s when Lopez aimed his taser at the suspect and gave him “verbal commands to stop,” the affidavit details. As Harris continued to run the officer’s direction and toward the exit, Lopez sidestepped and deployed his taser, bringing Harris to the ground just outside the store. Lopez then detained Harris as the man “pushed up and attempted to flee again.”
As of press time, Harris’ name was listed on the Jefferson County inmate roster with a $100,000 bond.