Man accused of shoplifting arrested after foot chase
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Gabriel Arriaga, 21, of Milton-Freewater was arrested Monday night after allegedly shoplifting from Ulta Beauty store, 1635 W. Poplar St., in Walla Walla, eluding police and later being apprehended following a short foot pursuit.
The Walla Walla Police Department was dispatched to Ulta Beauty where shoplifting had just been reported. Employees gave the suspect’s name and vehicle description to WWPD.
A College Place police officer saw a vehicle matching the description, made eye contact with Arriaga and recognized him. The CPPD officer made a U-turn with the intention of stopping Arriaga, but before a traffic stop could be initiated, Arriaga sped off almost causing a few collisions. The CPPD officer did pursue the vehicle.
A few minutes later, the CPPD officer located the same vehicle unoccupied near State Route 125 and Old Milton Highway. As the officer stopped to investigate, he located Arriaga near the vehicle. The suspect then is reported to have fled on foot. Following a short foot pursuit, the officer apprehended Arriaga and held him by pointing a Taser at him until WWPD officers arrived.
Arriaga was taken into custody by CPPD and booked into the Walla Walla County Jail on suspicion of DUI, resisting arrest, obstructing a law enforcement officer, reckless driving, and use of drug paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance Tuesday morning.
