Man charged after $10,000 worth of merchandise stolen from store in New Glasgow, N.S.

The side of a New Glasgow Regional Police vehicle is seen in New Glasgow, N.S., in this file photo. (Andrea Jerrett/CTV Atlantic)

A 45-year-old Halifax man is facing charges after police say he was involved in thefts at a pair of New Glasgow, N.S., businesses.

Police received a complaint from a local sports store that a man damaged a display case and stole more than $10,000 worth of merchandise on Dec. 20, said a Monday news release.

Police say the suspect fled the store before officers arrived and they were able to identify him through their investigation.

Two off-duty New Glasgow Regional Police officers saw the suspect at another business on Wednesday.

“As police responded, the off-duty members observed the male commit another theft at another business. The officers then placed him under arrest for theft just outside the business,” reads the news release.

Kevin Charles Purcell, who had three warrants for his arrest, has been charged with:

• theft over $5,000
• theft under $5,000
• possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000
• two counts of failure to comply with probation
• resist/obstruct peace officer
• mischief under $5,000

Purcell was remanded into custody. He will appear in court at a later date.

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