Police: Serial Shoplifting Suspect Took Swing at Officer

WOODBRIDGE, VA- A man suspected of a string of shoplifting incidents at Burlington Coat Factory is facing assault charges after throwing a punch at an officer in the Potomac Mills parking lot.

Andre Allen James, 42, of 17080 Jefferson Davis Hwy. in Woodbridge, is charged with assault & battery on a LEO, possession of burglarious tools, identity fraud, petit larceny and obstruction of justice. He’s being held without bond.

An employee at Burlington contacted police Wednesday afternoon when James, a suspect in several recent thefts, was seen in the store, according to Prince William County Police.

An officer approached James in the parking lot outside the store and attempted to arrest him. James then allegedly swung at the officer’s head, according to police.

He was detained without further incident, but transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The officer reported on suffering minor injuries.