Shopkeeper On Trial For Citizen’s Arrest Vents Frustration With Police
Posted October 7, 2010 6:35 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Shopkeeper David Chen took the stand in his own defence Thursday, telling the court he works 19-hour days, and is continually frustrated by a police force that doesn’t help him with shoplifters.
Chen said his store Lucky Moose Food Mart deals with petty thieves on a daily basis. Through a translator he testified that when he calls police it takes them anywhere from an hour-and-a-half to five hours to respond.
He also said police never lay charges because he’s told that involves “many procedures.”
Chen and two others are facing assault and forcible confinement charges for trying to make a citizen’s arrest on Anthony Bennett last May.
Bennett admitted to stealing plants from Chen earlier that day before returning to steal more. That’s when the accused men corralled him, tying him up and putting him in the back of a van until police arrived.
According to the law a citizen’s arrest can only be made if the person is caught red-handed.
Chen told the court he confronted Bennett when he returned because he felt if stood by and did nothing he would steal more.
Video shows Bennett running off and Chen giving chase. And that’s when Chen said he decided to make the citizen’s arrest.
He testified he only tied Bennett up and threw him in the back of a van because Bennett was punching and kicking him. Chen then showed the court pictures showing bruising on his arm and elbow.
