The suspect, James George Harris, 38, is also charged with assaulting a peace officer with a deadly weapon — specifically, his automobile.
The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when Harris reportedly entered Walmart wearing slippers. Police said he left the slippers behind, and walked out of the store wearing new shoes and carrying belts and at least one watch, all allegedly stolen.
He was confronted outside the store by security personnel, and Harris reportedly told them to keep back, because he had a weapon.
Witnesses said they didn't see one, but Harris was able to keep moving and escaped in a white Ford Festiva.
As police swarmed the area, officer Frank Deshler spotted the Festiva in the parking lot near Toys R Us. He approached it on foot, believing it was unoccupied, but Harris suddenly appeared in the driver's seat.
Harris reportedly started the vehicle as Deshler drew his firearm and ordered him to stop.
Harris reportedly backed up quickly, turning the vehicle wide and striking Deshler with the fender. As the officer fell to the ground, he hit the driver's side window with his revolver, shattering the glass.
Harris got away and eluded capture until about 11:30 p.m. Thursday, when he was arrested without incident by the Chico police Street Crimes Unit at
the Budget Inn on Park Avenue.
Police Sgt. Scott Franssen said the car Harris drove is registered to the suspect's girlfriend. Police said she had recently purchased it from the family of a deceased woman.
Franssen said the girlfriend cooperated with the investigation and is not a suspect in the incidents Thursday.
Harris was found to be a parolee at large. He is a local transient known casually to police, but doesn't have a criminal history in Butte County. He has a minor criminal history in Glenn County. Authorities didn't know Friday what he had done in order to be placed on parole.
Franssen said Harris allegedly entered the store to shoplift, but under the circumstances it will likely be charged as robbery since he intended to steal and used intimidation to complete the crime.
If convicted for assaulting a police officer, Harris could face a state prison sentence of three, four or five years. Second-degree robbery carries a penalty of up to five years. Chico police Detective Jose Lara said the mention of a weapon to create force or fear, and Harris's statement that he always carried a knife, led to a recommendation that he be charged with armed robbery.
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said he would expect conviction on both counts to draw a total sentence of about seven years.
Franssen said the suspect's parole will likely be revoked.
Harris was booked into the Butte County Jail in Oroville on armed robbery and assault charges, as well as charges of resisting arrest and possession of a controlled substance. Due to his parole status, no bail has been set.
Deshler, named officer of the year recently, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. A police spokesman said he will be able to return to his normal duties.
Source:ChicoER.com
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