COON RAPIDS, Minn. (WCCO) — A 25-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after police say he cut an employee with a box cutter while trying to steal plumbing parts from a hardware store.
Coon Rapids Police said Randy James Clark, Jr. was placed under arrest after a short chase at 9:32 a.m. Tuesday outside the Ace Hardware store in Coon Rapids.
Police say he was attempting to steal the items when an employee confronted him. Clark pulled out a box cutter and held it near the employee’s neck. When the employee put his arms up to block the attack, Clark allegedly slashed him on the arm.
Clark then threatened to kill the employee and the owner of the store, according to police. Authorities say Clark had a woman waiting for him outside in a car. He allegedly fled the store across Coon Rapids Boulevard and then headed south into the woods near Highway 610.
A short chase with police ensued and Clark was eventually tasered and arrested.
Clark told police he’s homeless. He was also booked on a previous felony charge out of Cass County.
