Homeless California Man Steals Almost $1,000 Worth of Nike Apparel from Kohl’s

On Thursday, January 11, 2018 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Deputy First Class Vincent Pontorno of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Kohl’s department store in Lexington Park for the report of a theft in progress. When Pontorno arrived, Michael I. Harrison, 31 of California, was in the men’s changing room with merchandise he obtained throughout the store with all of the clothing removed from the hangers.

Shortly after Pontorno’s arrival, Harrison was seen on the surveillance video walking toward the north doors. The officer made contact with Harrison after he passed all points of sale and was outside the store in the parking lot. Harrison had a large duffel bag on his back which employees at Kohl’s said he stuffed full of merchandise.

Pontorno immediately grabbed his left wrist and told him to place his hands behind his back. Harrison then pulled away from the officer’s grasp and was tackled to the ground. During a struggle to place the defendant in handcuffs, Harrison was able to remove his shirt and ran on foot. Harrison was told repeatedly to stop but continued to run, crossing Buck Hewitt Road and impeding the flow of traffic.

Pontorno followed Harrison on foot into a residential area where he continued to run into a wood line and was subsequently apprehended. Harrison stole 32 items of Nike apparel with a total value of $951.74.

Once at the St. Mary’s County Detention and Rehabilitation Center, Harrison failed to give a reason for passing all points of sale and not paying for the items. Harrison advised officers he has a history of failing to appear in court and is currently homeless with no phone.

Michael Harrison was charged with theft ranging from $100-$1,500, resisting arrest, and failure to obey a reasonable and lawful order.

Harrison was originally held without bond but was released on his own recognizance on January 16, 2018.

As part of the conditions of Harrisons release he was required to be monitored by a GPS ankle bracelet, which he removed a few hours later.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Michael Issiah Harrison, 31, of California, is asked to contact Det. Hulse of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-4200 extension *1996 or by email at [email protected]. Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637).

This entry was posted on January 31, 2018 at 2:22 pm and is filed under All News, County, St. Mary's News, Top News, z 600X120 Top Ad Bottom, z Police Ad Top. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.