YONKERS, NY – A suspected shoplifting incident at a busy Cross County shopping center escalated into a violent confrontation Wednesday afternoon when a Bronx man allegedly sprayed a Yonkers police officer with pepper spray while attempting to flee, according to the Yonkers Police Department.
Officers said the incident began inside a TJ Maxx store, where an officer was already present on an unrelated call. Loss prevention staff identified Fernando Rivera, 46, as “a repeat shoplifter they immediately recognized,” prompting the officer to monitor the situation as it unfolded.
Police said Rivera concealed a piece of jewelry valued at $12 and exited the store without paying. When confronted, he allegedly ignored commands to stop and ran through the parking garage toward Central Park Avenue.
Suspect accused of escalating encounter during pursuit
According to the department, the situation intensified when the officer caught up to Rivera during the foot pursuit. “When the officer caught up to him, Rivera made a decision that turned a shoplifting investigation into something much more serious,” Yonkers Police said in a statement. “He pulled out a can of pepper spray, sprayed the officer, and kept running.”
Police said the officer, despite being sprayed, continued the pursuit and deployed her Taser, bringing Rivera into custody. “Despite being pepper sprayed, the officer fought through it, deployed her Taser, and ended Rivera’s escape attempt,” the department said.
Recovered during the arrest were the stolen jewelry item, the pepper spray allegedly used in the assault, and drug paraphernalia, authorities said.
Charges and enforcement policy highlighted by department
Rivera now faces multiple charges, including robbery, assault, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon, petit larceny, and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
The department emphasized its approach to addressing retail theft, regardless of the dollar amount involved. “Some places may decide a $12 theft isn’t worth the effort. We don’t. That’s exactly why we enforce it,” Yonkers Police said. “Ignoring ‘small’ crimes sends the message they’re acceptable. Holding offenders accountable sends a different message – and it’s one that’s working.”
Officials noted that shoplifting incidents in Yonkers have decreased by 42 percent compared to the same time last year.
The officer involved was treated for minor injuries and has since returned to duty, police said.
