A Sauk Rapids man was arrested after allegedly hitting a police officer and fleeing the scene Wednesday night.

St. Cloud Police Sergeant Jason Burke says officers responded to a report of shoplifting at Sunrise Liquor, located at 14th Avenue Northeast, shortly before 9 p.m. An officer attempted to arrest 29-year-old Elakie Fale, but he hit the officer in the face and fled the scene on foot.

Officers chased Fale for a few blocks and took him into custody. He is being held on charges of theft, obstructing legal process and 4th degree assault against an officer.