Retired Sheriff Stops Menard's Knife, Ax Thief: Report

OAK CREEK, WI -- Authorities in Oak Creek say quick thinking by a retired Sheriff's deputy resulted in the apprehension of a theft suspect who tried making off with a number of knives and an ax.

According to Oak Creek police logs, a loss prevention officer at Menards called police at just before 11:30 a.m. on June 1 on a report that a citizen was detaining a combative retail theft suspect out in the store parking lot.

According to police, the suspect was walking through Menards, placing $130 worth of knives and an ax in his backpack. When the citizen - a retired sheriff's deputy - saw this happening, he confronted the suspect.

Police said the retired deputy managed to easily detain the suspect until Oak Creek police could arrive. When officers searched the suspect, they found 11 knives and an ax. Police said the suspect was cited for retail theft and released to his mother.