Man Caught After Police Chase Through Oak Creek Following Theft

OAK CREEK, WI — Police in Oak Creek say they've arrested a man after he tried stealing from Meijer and running through neighborhoods to evade capture.

According to Oak Creek police call logs, officers were sent to the Meijer at just before 1 a.m. on Feb. 13 on a report of a retail theft.

Police said a store loss prevention officer alerted authorities that a man ran from the store and got into a tan getaway van.

Police said they caught up with the man in the area of 6th and Drexel, and attempted to pull the van over, only to have the van drive away. Police deployed stop sticks at 10th and Drexel in advance of the van to try to deflate its tires.

According to police, the suspect had other plans. Police said the theft suspect got out of the van at W. Locust St. and S. 17th St. and began running through yards. After a short chase, the suspect was arrested on S. 16th St. with the help of Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputies.

Police said they found several electronics in his pockets and more inside the van, which were stolen from Meijer.

Police said the pursuit went for 13.7 miles. The suspect, identified as Ricky D. Cheers, was arrested, police said. According to police, Cheers was wanted in Dane County for resisting an officer and property theft, in Dodge County for failing to appear for a paternity hearing and a commitment from the Department of Corrections for a probation violation.