COLORADO SPRINGS — A man accused of striking a police officer while attempting to flee a suspected theft at a grocery store was arrested Thursday afternoon, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department.
Police identified the suspect as Matthew Reinke. Officers said the incident occurred around 3 p.m. while a CSPD officer was working an extra-duty assignment at the store. A loss prevention employee alerted the officer to a suspect who was allegedly stealing and had been involved in previous thefts at the business.
When the officer approached Reinke, police said he attempted to leave the store and resisted arrest. During the encounter, Reinke allegedly struck the officer while trying to escape.
Officers were able to take Reinke into custody, and he was booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. The officer involved was treated at the scene for minor injuries and was able to continue working.
The investigation is ongoing.
