Hunter
05/11/26
A Muscatine man is in custody after an alleged theft attempt from the Target store in Coral Ridge Mall.
The incident occurred Saturday evening. According to the police report, 21-year-old Christian James of Water Street was seen on cameras concealing items while in the store, then walking past all points of sale without any attempt to pay for the items.
He left on foot but was located by police. He was told to stop walking and to go back into the store. James allegedly refused to do so, and physically resisted officers who tried to handcuff him. He reportedly had to be taken to the ground to get better control of his hands, which resulted in an injury to an officer.
James allegedly discarded the stolen items in a bush that were later located by police.
A check of his criminal record showed two 5th degree theft convictions out of Muscatine County and one 3rd degree theft conviction out of Linn County. James was charged with 3rd degree Theft and Interference with Official Acts causing Bodily Injury. If convicted on all counts, he faces a prison sentence of up to three years.