Ex-cons run down security after shoplifting incident www.privateofficer.com
Dakota R. Griffing, 18, 38 Birchwood Drive, hoped he would be released from custody so he could return to New Milford High School where he had only a weeks left of his senior year.
“I realize these are just allegations, but they are incredibly serious,” Judge Corinne Klatt said.
Griffing was charged with sixth-degree larceny, first-degree robbery, two counts of second-degree assault, reckless driving, and engaging police in pursuit. He was scheduled to appear in Litchfield Superior Court June 10. Assistant State’s Attorney Jonathan Knight encouraged the court to set a high bond in Griffing’s case, calling him a “danger to the community.”
Griffing’s attorney J. Michael Sconyers said the incident was a shoplifting crime until his client panicked.
He suggested the court allow him to return to school and use the state’s electronic monitoring program. Stop and Shop security officials reportedly spotted Griffing and Douglas Rodriguez shoving products down their pants.
When the security guards confronted the men at the exit, the suspects struggled and ran out of the store.
When the security guard ran after Griffing, driving a blue BMW, at a stop light, Griffing reportedly put the car in reverse and struck the guard. The guard flew into the air and fell to the ground, a witness told police. The guard stood up, but Griffing struck the him again with the car. The guard landed on the hood and fell off. He suffered minor injuries, police said.
Griffing led police on a pursuit until he was cornered by police and forced to get out of his car at gunpoint.
Join Us At MySpace/privateofficernews
Join The National Association of Private Officers
