Off-duty detective helps foil beer heist

IRVINE – A brazen attempt to procure a case of beer without paying resulted in a confrontation Tuesday night that ultimately included an off-duty Newport Beach police detective who helped to subdue the suspect.

According to Irvine police, Ryan William Prince, 24, a resident of Tustin, entered the Pavilions grocery store on Portola Parkway, snatched the case of beer and exited the store before being confronted outside by a store security guard.

The 6-5, 250 pound Prince allegedly refused to cooperate with the guard and a physical altercation ensued.

Off-duty detective, Bob Watts of the Newport Beach Police Department, witnessed what was happening and joined the fracas, helping the guard to control Prince until Irvine Police arrived.

The guard reportedly received scrapes and bruises during the brawl.

Prince was arrested on suspicion of robbery and carted off to Orange County Jail where he was being held for $50,000 bail.