Cooperation between Melbourne police and beachside law enforcement agencies July 8 helped arrest a shoplifting suspect who allegedly fled the Causeway Shopping Center Bealls Outlet and injured a Melbourne police officer.
The 10:22 am incident began when Melbourne police officers – the agency with jurisdiction in that area – responded to Bealls Outlet at 287 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. following a report that a man was seen carrying a knife while shoplifting.
The suspect fled from store staff and left the immediate area, only to be located by officers a few blocks from the store. While being taken into custody, the suspect intentionally struck the arresting officer and injured her. He pulled away and continued to flee. The officer was not stabbed but police have not confirmed the nature of the injuries. She was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center where she was treated and released, according to MPD.
A perimeter was established with the assistance of Indian Harbour Beach officers, MPD’s K-9 Unit and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit, but again the suspect was unable to be located.
Later that afternoon, the suspect was seen near his residence in Indian Harbor Beach but again fled prior to police arrival. At approximately 4:50 p.m., the suspect was located by Satellite Beach Police Department in the area of 480 Cinnamon Dr., where he was arrested without further incident.
Melbourne police officers arrested Justin Steven Gentgen, 33, of Indian Harbour Beach and charged him with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, resisting arrest without violence, and felony petit theft with two or more prior theft convictions. He is being held in the Brevard County Jail.
Originally set for arraignment on Aug. 6, the defendant’s attorney, Public Defender Blaise Trettis, on July 10 filed a waiver of arraignment and entered a not guilty plea, in effect cancelling the arraignment proceedings.
“Our office is still reviewing the case and will make a formal charging decision in the coming weeks,’’ said Todd Brown, spokesman for the Office of the State Attorney.
