A knife-wielding man accused of shoplifting at a Deltona Walmart was arrested Monday night after he jumped into a creek to flee a Sheriff’s Office K-9, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said.
Thomas Rice, 46, faces multiple charges including armed robbery, grand theft and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement.
The incident happened at the Walmart located at 101 Howland Boulevard. A loss prevention officer noticed Rice picking up items off the shelf before leaving the store without paying for them.
When the officer confronted him, Rice pulled out a knife and said, “Get back or I’ll stab you.”
Deputies said Rice then got into his vehicle and attempted to drive off. The loss prevention officer reached inside the vehicle and pulled out one of the stolen items, a baseball bat, and used it to hit the driver’s side door, according to the news release.
A short time later, deputies attempted to pull Rice over on State Road 415. Rice turned down a dirt road in an attempt to flee deputies but crashed into a dirt berm.
Rice abandoned his vehicle and ran into woods before jumping into a creek as deputies released K-9 Axe after him.
Deputies said Rice began digging keys into Axe’s head as he struggled to get away.
Rice was taken into custody and transported to Florida Hospital Fish Memorial for his injuries.
K-9 Axe was bleeding from an abrasion on the top of his head and was taken to DeLand Animal Hospital for treatment.
Deputies said they found 41 items worth $812 in Rice’s vehicle with the price tags still attached.