A man suspected of stealing a rifle from a Marana Walmart and linked by police to several other crimes in Tucson was arrested Thursday morning after being struck by a squad car, police said.
Officers made contact with the man shortly after an employee at the Walmart near North Cortaro Road and Interstate 10 called about someone stealing a rifle. Officers soon realized the man was carrying a loaded weapon.
The man put a gun to his head and ignored the officersβ commands to drop the weapon, said Sgt. Chris Warren, a police spokesman. He then began walking down the road toward businesses, including the Coca Cola Bottling Company, 5551 W. Coca Cola Place, which has several hundred employees.
As the gunman walked, he fired a shot, Warren said.
No one was injured and Marana police officers did not fire their weapons.
A patrol officer eventually used his vehicle to knock down the gunman.
He was apprehended and taken to a hospital.
Police said the man has been linked to an armed robbery, home invasion, fire and auto theft in Tucson, Warren said.
