Redding PD: Man taken into custody for alleged erratic behavior while under the influence of narcotics
A man was recently arrested after a tense encounter with civilians and police while allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine, according to Redding PD.
29-year-old Eric Thomas-Smith was arrested on the 900 block of Hartnell Avenue on the evening of April 15. Police had responded to the area amid reports that a man was behaving erratically and threatening employees at a nearby business with a knife.
Police say Thomas-Smith was visibly agitated, was outwardly confrontational, and had made statements about never going back to prison. When he tried to flee on foot, he had to be apprehended with the help of a K-9 officer, police said.
During the arrest, officers confiscated a fix-blade knife from Thomas-Smith’s possession. He also admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine, police said.
Thomas-Smith was treated and medically cleared for minor injuries sustained during his arrest, and was later booked on suspicion of criminal threats, brandishing, resisting arrest, and parole violation.
