Trenton Matthews, 42, of Bellefontaine, was detained by a Taser administered around 4 p.m., Sunday, March 5, by officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department after he wouldn’t answer for a 12-pack of beer he stole from a local gas station.
Police were dispatched to the Marathon gas station, 200 E. Sandusky Ave., in reference to a shoplifting complaint. Employees reported the suspect took a 12-pack of Bud Light from the store without paying for it. Sunday’s call for service was the second day in a row the suspect had reportedly taken a case of beer from the store and left without paying. He was also suspected of shoplifting from the store on Feb. 27.
Officers responded to that area and found the suspect walking carrying the case of beer, but he would not stop and comply. Matthews reportedly became increasingly confrontational and hostile towards police as he continued to attempt to walk away.
At one point, the suspect turned towards an officer, yelling and cursing. A Taser was deployed and the suspect was dropped to the ground.
He was lodged in the Logan County Jail on a probation violation. Logan County Prosecutors are reviewing the report for possible charges of felony aggravated menacing, as well as three counts of theft and resisting arrest.