Suspected Thief Arrested after Chase through South Pasadena Backyards

SOUTH PASADENA, CA - A 20-year-old man suspected of stealing liquor from a South Pasadena supermarket Wednesday was arrested after a ground and air search.

The theft occurred about 2 p.m. at the Vons supermarket at 1129 S. Fair Oaks Ave., according to South Pasadena police.

Officers caught up with the suspect, later identified as Lafayette Jackson, in the 1000 block of Fair Oaks Avenue, but he fled east into the 1000 block of Brent Avenue, running through backyards, police said.

"Officers lost sight of the suspect in the 1000 block of Park Avenue, but were advised by (witnesses) that he was seen running eastbound through Oxley Alley," according to a police statement.

A check of the area with the assistance of an air unit turned up nothing.

As officers continued to search, a resident from the 1700 block of Virginia Place reported seeing a man matching the suspect's description in her rear yard.

Jackson was found hiding in a tool shed.

He was taken into custody without further incident and the liquor was returned to Vons.

City News Service