Man Tased After Reportedly Stealing Justin Bieber Valentines, Tide, Red Bull

A Milford police officer used a Taser to subdue and handcuff a Grafton man who fled from Target Tuesday night with a shopping cart full of items.

What items? Several cases of Red Bull energy drink and Tide detergent, items that police say are often stolen in bulk and resold outside the suburbs. Also found in his cart were Justin Bieber valentines.

Michael Pete Harding, 50, of 54 Tulip Cir., South Grafton, was arrested on charges of larceny over $250 and resisting arrest. 

In all, police said they recovered $412 in items from his shopping cart. Along with Tide and Red Bull, Harding is accused of stealing several packages of Justin Bieber valentines, some dolls and other grocery items.

Milford Police officer Robert Pavia said he received a call about 7 p.m. Tuesday, reporting that store security had spotted a man who had previously been known to shoplift items that often are resold. The man was known to store security as someone who had fought previously when they tried to detain him, said Pavia.

The officer said he was outside the store when he saw the man running with a cart toward the exit. 

Once outside, the man saw him, Pavia said. "He pushed the cart at me and then ran off to my left," Pavia said. Pavia pursued him for a short distance in the parking lot, until the man tripped and fell. Once on his feet, the suspect attempted to push him away then tried to punch him, Pavia said.

At that point, Pavia deployed his Taser, which put the suspect on the ground. Pavia then handcuffed him, and other officers arrived to assist.