Volusia County man steals from Walmart, attacks police K-9, deputies said

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An accused Walmart shoplifter who threatened a loss prevention officer with a knife has been arrested, Volusia County deputies said.

Thomas Rice was taken into custody Monday after he wrecked his vehicle on the 600 block of State Road 415, deputies said.

The loss prevention officer told deputies he noticed Rice picked up several items on the shelf at the Walmart at 101 Howland Boulevard in Deltona and didn’t pay for them.  When the officer confronted Rice just outside the door, he said Rice pulled a knife and warned: “Get back or I’ll stab you.”

Rice got into a vehicle and drove away.

Deputies said they spotted Rice driving on State Road 415 and when they tried to pull him over, he turned down a dirt road, deputies said. Moments later, they found the crashed car and Rice was running away.

Deputies released K-9, Axe, to run after Rice who was then bitten in the leg, said deputies.

Deputies said they noticed Rice hitting Axe in the head with car keys. After a short struggle, Rice was taken into custody.

Axe was bleeding from an abrasion to the top of his head and was taken to DeLand Animal Hospital for treatment.

Rice was charged with armed robbery, grand theft, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, resisting arrest and an offense against a police dog by intentionally and maliciously causing bodily harm.

Cox Media Group