Columbia police arrest man accused of stealing merchandise from Menards

Columbia police arrested Justin Archuleta on Thursday after officers were dispatched to Menards on Vandiver for reports of theft.

An employee of the store told police that Archuleta was hiding merchandise and passing all points of sale without paying for it.

Police said they tried to arrest Archuleta but he fled on foot.

A K-9 unit was called to the scene to look for Archuleta and found him in the 3300 block of Vandiver Drive hiding under a car.

Officers said they found 2.37 grams of methamphetamine in Archuleta’s possession.

Archuleta faces possible charges of possession of a controlled substance, stealing and resisting arrest.