Man Attacked Officers After Shoplifting In Front Of Them: Police

NORTH LAWRENCE, NY — A Queens man was arrested Wednesday morning after he tried to shoplift from a store in front of police officers, and then attacked the officers when they attempted to arrest him, police said.

According to police, officers were called to the Burlington Coat Factor, located at 345 Rockaway Turnpike in North Lawrence, at 9:10 a.m. for a theft. While the officers were taking a report about the theft, police say Yance Folk, 49, of 255 Street, Rosedale, walked past them with two duffel bags filled with store merchandise and left the store without paying.

The officers approached Folk, and police say he began to run out the door into the parking lot and refused to listen to the officers' orders.

After a brief chase, police say the officers were able to catch Folk, who became combative. He punched one officer in the face, police said, and continued to try to punch and kick the officers. Police say the officers used a stun gun on Folk to subdue him, and then placed him under arrest.

One officer suffered an injury to his face and finger. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Folk is charged with second-degree assault, petty larceny and resisting arrest. He is scheduled to be arraigned later today in First District Court in Hempstead.