Man arrested after pulling knife on Fred Meyer workers

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- A shoplifting incident turned into a strong armed robbery at the Kennewick Fred Meyer Saturday evening.

According to a press release from the Kennewick Police Department, officers responded to a report of a shoplifter at the Fred Meyer on 10th Ave. in Kennewick at about 5:40 p.m. after employees contacted a shoplifting suspect.

Employees contacted the man, who was later identified as Thomas B. Lecompte, 35, when he pulled out a knife.

Employees struggled with the man before he dropped the knife and fled on foot.

Officers found Lecompte running from the location and took him into custody.

Lecompte was booked into the Benton County Jail for suspicion of Robbery 1st Degree.