A man suspected of shoplifting from a store on Franklin Street was arrested early Thursday afternoon, said a JPD spokesperson.
The Juneau Police Department received a call slightly before noon on Thursday regarding a shoplifting downtown. The store owner reported a shirtless, erratic man had stolen a bottle of alcohol before leaving. JPD officers responded, locating 23-year-old James Matthew Casto, who matched the description of the suspect, said JPD Lt. Krag Campbell in a news release.
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Officers attempted to speak with Casto about the incident, but he was uncooperative and attempted to leave after officers had told him he was not free to go, Campbell said. After attempting to take Casto into custody, officers used a stun gun and attempted to handcuff him, Campbell said. At this point, Casto grabbed the officer’s stun gun, before being subdued and handcuffed in the middle of Front Street, Campbell said.
Casto was arrested on charges of fourth-degree theft, resisting arrest, fourth-degree assault and violating conditions of release, Campbell said. He’s being held without bail at Lemon Creek Correctional Center.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
