Off-duty Phoenix officer sustains broken leg after struggle with shoplifting suspect

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — An off-duty police officer is recovering after breaking his leg while trying to stop a shoplifting suspect in south Phoenix Friday afternoon.

At about 3:45 p.m., Phoenix police say an officer in full uniform went up to a man who was reportedly shoplifting inside a Fry’s Food Store near Baseline Road and 24th Street.

Court documents state the suspect, Devontae Stockdale, put several items inside his backpack, attempting to hide them.

Police say Stockdale was asked to return the stolen items and leave the store. When the officer attempted to retrieve the items, Stockdale tried to run away.

Court documents state that the officer chased Stockdale and wrapped his arms around him to stop him from running. Police say he resisted and refused commands, leading to a struggle.

According to police, Stockdale resisted, grabbed the officer’s arms and wrists and slammed him into the freezers.

The officer was pushed to the ground and broke his leg, according to court paperwork. The officer was hospitalized and needed surgery for the injury, police say.

Stockdale ran out of the store but was found walking in front of a Starbucks along 24th Street. Police say Stockdale resisted again and tensed up his arms, trying to prevent officers from arresting him. However, several officers were able to take him into custody.

Investigators say two energy drinks and a bag of cookies were found in his backpack. Police also used surveillance video to positively identify Stockdale as the suspect.

Stockdale was also taken to a hospital for minor injuries and was later booked on charges related to the incident.

Police say he is facing charges including aggravated assault, robbery, and resisting arrest.

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