Brevard County Sheriff's deputy injured trying to stop shoplifting suspect

Deputy spotted suspicious man leaving Merritt Island Home Depot

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – The Brevard County Sheriff's Office is searching for an accused shoplifter they say battered an off-duty deputy who tried to stop him.

Deputy Don Eri says he saw a man leave the Home Depot on the Courtenay Parkway on Merritt Island Wednesday night that he thought was stealing from the store. Deputy Eri confronted the man but say he refused to comply, battered him, then got into a car and took off.

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Deputy Eri suffered minor injuries. 

Deputies say the suspect was caught on surveillance cameras inside the store before the attack. He appeared to be in his early 30's, between 180 and 190 pounds with a shaved head, goatee, and tattoos on his arms.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brevard County Sheriff's Office or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.


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