Man stealing $10 in snacks assaults employee, spits on Niagara cop, damages cruiser: police

A 31-year-old man is facing several charges after he fought with two store employees and a police officer after he was caught trying to steal some snack food.

Niagara police say they received a call about a theft-in-progress at a business on Lundy’s Lane near Glenholme Avenue.

Authorities say that at the time of the call, they were informed that the suspect in the midst of fighting with two employees and had been claiming he was armed with a gun and knife.

“When the NRPS officer arrived on scene he found the suspect violently struggling to escape from two store employees,” reads a report from police. “As the NRPS officer continued the lawful arrest of the suspect, the suspect spat saliva in the officer’s face.”

Several employees suffered minor injuries.

READ MORE: Hamilton police release new suspect photos from sexual assault at Gage Park

Despite his resistance, the man was taken into custody. While being transported to jail, he repeatedly kicked the interior of the police cruiser, causing damage.

31-year-old Kevin Tomas Matthews, of Lanark — a town of 850 people — has been arrested and charged with several criminal offences, including:

• Theft Under $5000
• Uttering Threats (2 Counts)
• Assault (2 Counts)
• Assault a Peace Officer
• Mischief Over $5000

Matthews was held in custody and is expected to have a bail hearing at a St. Catharines court on March 12.