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Accident – Death – Obituary News : Meijer Employees Call Police after Man Steals $700 Worth of Pokémon Cards
WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Meijer employees took quick action on Sunday night when a man walked out of their Westerville grocery store with nearly $700 worth of Pokémon cards. The incident escalated when the man, later identified as Ernest Fields, refused to comply with the arresting officer’s orders.
The Meijer employees promptly contacted the police upon noticing Fields leaving the store with the stolen Pokémon cards. The theft call quickly turned into a more serious situation when Fields refused to cooperate with the arresting officer’s commands.
According to the officer’s body camera video, Fields remained inside his car despite repeated orders to exit the vehicle. As a result, the officer had to physically remove Fields from the car and instruct him to place his hands behind his back.
The officer’s case report indicates that Fields suddenly turned around, causing the officer to believe that Fields was going to attack him. In response, the officer delivered a couple of quick hits to Fields, who then attempted to flee.
To regain control of the situation, the officer drew his stun gun. Fields dropped to the ground momentarily but tried to escape again. The officer managed to apprehend Fields, deliver a few more strikes, and hold him on the ground until additional Westerville officers arrived. Despite their efforts, Fields continued to resist arrest, leading the officers to deploy a stun gun for a second time before successfully arresting him.
The entire incident lasted approximately five minutes from the initial contact between Fields and the first officer until his arrest.
Brian Steel, acting president of the local Fraternal Order of Police, acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by the lone officer during the arrest. Steel emphasized the potential danger officers encounter when facing individuals who have shown a willingness to harm them.
While Steel recognized that the arresting officer acted in accordance with his training, an investigation will be conducted to ensure the officer’s actions align with departmental policies.
Westerville Chief of Police Charles Chandler released a statement on Tuesday, emphasizing the thorough investigation of the incident to ensure compliance with training and departmental expectations. Chandler emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting the community’s safety and maintaining high standards of performance.
During a search of Fields’ car, officers discovered what appeared to be drugs and other stolen items. Fields admitted to using fentanyl and consuming it on the day of his arrest. Additionally, Fields had an outstanding felony warrant for arson in Franklin County.
Fields was initially scheduled to appear in court in Delaware County, but the hearing has been postponed, and a new date has yet to be set.
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