KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — We have learned more about the shoplifting on West Main Street that turned violent late Saturday night.
The suspect, 24-year-old James Collins, has been formally charged.
The sheriff’s deputy was more seriously hurt than initially reported. He was hit repeatedly in the head with his own metal flashlight. Undersheriff Pali Matyas likened it to being hit with a baseball bat, leaving the deputy with a mild concussion and staples in the back of his head.
Apparently, the confrontation took place outside of a Kohl’s late Saturday night. A loss prevention employee was also struck.
Matyas said, despite the assault, the deputy managed to subdue and cuff the suspect before other deputies arrived.
They are looking for a shopper who was seen in the parking lot and may have stopped to record the incident on their cell phone.
