Wethersfield Chief Nabs Shoplifter on Way to Lunch: Video

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Wethersfield Police Chief James Cetran did not have much time for a lunch break on Friday. He wound up apprehending a shoplifting suspect.

As he was driving in his unmarked police car on Silas Deane Highway, trying to get in some lunch at home, Cetran heard the call come in and then saw a man matching the description of the suspect, police said.

He approached the man and wound up wrestling him to the ground, police said.

Cetran said it was a move every cop learns at the academy.

He said he was wearing plain clothes and showed the suspect his badge.

"He knew I was a police officer," Cetran said. "He nervously asked what time the bus came by."

He said he sensed the man was going to run.

"He had hit me in the face and I didn't want to get hit again," Cetran said. "PLus it was a hot day and I really didn't feel like running after him."

Dash cam video of the incident was posted on Facebook by police on Tuesday. By Wednesday morning, it had 14,000 views and 102 shares.

A marked patrol car is showed arriving at the scene and a uniformed officer then took the suspect away.

Police said the bag of stolen goods can be seen next to a planter along the sidewalk.

Photo Credit: WPD