A Colorado man was arrested on Thursday night after allegedly stealing from Target in Manhattan Beach while under the influence of methamphetamine and heroin, according to Manhattan Beach police.
Thor Burnam, who turned 23 today, left Target with two PlayStation Vitas – each worth $250, according to Target’s website – at around 9 p.m., said Officer Stephanie Martin.
When Target’s asset protection employees confronted Burnam outside of the store, he allegedly fled on his motorcycle, heading eastbound in westbound lanes. Target employees told the police that they’d seen Burnam walking around the store with an empty backpack, and later observed him putting the devices inside his bag, Martin said. “It’s not uncommon for people to go in and shoplift and steal at Target,” Martin said.
Burnam allegedly crashed his motorcycle into a van on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Meadows Avenue, causing him some minor injuries. The driver of the van was not injured.
After the accident, Burnam allegedly fled on foot into a neighborhood. A Santa Monica man saw Burnam running and ran after him – the man was able to detain Burnam on 12th Street and Rowell Avenue until the police arrived.
Burnam was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance for his injuries and was cleared for booking, Martin said. He was booked at the Manhattan Beach Police Department on burglary, hit and run, and DUI charges. Burnam is being held in a Los Angeles County jail on $20,000 bail.
On April 26, three were arrested in Target’s parking lot after allegedly stealing a cell phone from a victim. A male and a female approached the victim asking to use the victim’s phone. Once they obtained the phone, they ran off, Martin said. The third suspect was allegedly waiting nearby in a car.
In a situation where a stranger asks for help, Martin recommends airing on the safe side. “Maybe direct them to the store and say maybe they can help you inside,” Martin said. “It’s a personal choice whether you want to lend somebody a hand, but just know there are some folks out there that are going to take advantage of that.”
