MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter

Mar 29, 2016, 5:21 PM | Updated: 8:47 pm

A 14-year-old Seattle Prep football player is being called a hero on Tuesday after he helped Bellev...

A 14-year-old Seattle Prep football player is being called a hero on Tuesday after he helped Bellevue police nab a suspected shoplifter. (KIRO 7)

(KIRO 7)

A 14-year-old Seattle Prep football player is being called a hero on Tuesday after he helped Bellevue police nab a suspected shoplifter.

The 32-year-old suspect was spotted stealing about $800 worth of merchandise in Target at Factoria Mall. He allegedly ran from police, through a cosmetics store and into Old Navy. Two officers, including rookie officer Stephanie Schendel, were in hot pursuit.

Surveillance video shows that once inside, he tried knocking down a ladder to stop the officers. When he tried to leave, he noticed another officer so he turned around, ran to his left. That is when Kevin Merz tackled him. Seconds later, the officers jumped into the fray, too.

Why did he do it?

“I’m just trying to be a good citizen,” Merz said.

MyNorthwest News

seattle police vehicle - man shot...

KIRO 7 News Staff

31-year-old man shot near Mount Baker McDonald’s

Seattle police are investigating after a 31-year-old man was shot near a McDonald’s in the Mount Baker area on Sunday night.

9 minutes ago

shooting threat...

Ania Keenan, KIRO 7 News

Sheriff says ‘communication breakdown’ delayed arrest of teen suspect in Friday shooting threat

A 15-year-old is in juvenile detention after authorities investigated a threat of gun violence that led to the cancellation of a senior night football game.

47 minutes ago

football game canceled...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

One in custody, one wanted after threats prompt football game cancelations in Thurston County

Two high school football games in Thurston County were canceled Friday after two separate threats.

58 minutes ago

football player killed...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Federal Way High School football player killed after car veers onto sidewalk

A Federal Way High School football player died in a crash Friday night.

1 hour ago

File photo of a brown bear. (Getty images)...

Tom Brock

Close call in Index: Bear attack leaves resident with minor wounds

An Index resident survived a bear attack outside their home Sunday morning and was only slightly hurt.

18 hours ago

A crash involving a motorhome and a Washington State Patrol vehicle injured the trooper and sent th...

Tom Brock

Washington State Patrol trooper injured after motorhome slams into cruiser on I-5 in Seattle

A three-vehicle crash on I-5 in Seattle put a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper in the hospital Sunday morning.

19 hours ago

Teen football player tackles suspected shoplifter