Off-Duty Police Officer Allegedly Has Knife Pulled On Him After Beer Run

An off-duty Vinton police officer working security for Walmart was allegedly confronted with a knife when he tried to stop a homeless man from stealing beer, El Paso police officials said.

Wesley Skatzes, 40, has been booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on charges of aggravated robbery and resisting arrest search or transportationstealing for allegedly stealing beer from a Neighborhood Walmart Store in west El Paso Wednesday night.

When the off duty officer, who was displaying a police badge, and the store employee attempted to stop Skatzes they were allegedly confronted by Skatzes who was holding a knife, police officials said. Skatzes then fled on foot with the beer and a foot chase began.

Responding El Paso Police Officers were able to locate Skatzes a few blocks away with the assistance of the Walmart employees. Skatzes was seen allegedly attempting to hide the weapon used in the robbery, police said. Skatzes allegedly resisted arrest and after a brief struggle officers were able to place him under arrest.