Woods Cross man detained in attempted shoe theft

SALT LAKE CITY — A Woods Cross man is facing multiple third-degree felonies after police said he was caught trying to steal Adidas sneakers and then attempted to get away in a city-owned parks and recreation vehicle.

A Shopko employee at 2290 S. 1300 East approached the 41-year-old man who had replaced his own shoes with the new sneakers. The man then ran away and tried to drive off in a Kawasaki vehicle owned by the Salt Lake City Parks Department, according to charges filed Wednesday in 3rd District Court.

Shopko personnel detained the man until police arrived. He was then handcuffed and placed in the patrol car, charges state.

However, when the officer went back into Shopko for the man's shoes, the defendant escaped.

Toby Shawn Pearson is charged with escape, theft and attempted theft, all third-degree felonies.

— Lana Groves