Suspected Thief Caught Two Days After Escaping Police Custody

SOHO, NY — Police caught the man who gave them the slip Friday after officers arrested him allegedly stealing clothes from a Nike store in Soho, officials said.

Derek Robinson, 39, was cuffed at a hostel just after 1:30 a.m., more than a day after he managed to escape police custody, cops said.

Police first arrested Robinson and his accomplice Alice Scruggs, 21, on petty larceny charges Friday for allegedly stealing two sports jerseys worth $190 from the flagship Nike store at Broadway and Spring Street at 7:30 p.m., according to authorities.

A handcuffed Robinson managed to run off while officers were busy arresting Scruggs. Police lost track of Robinson when he slipped into a housing complex. On Saturday, officials released a photo of Robinson in hopes that someone would recognize the alleged thief.

Scruggs was initially released and ultimately led officers back to the hostel where Robinson was recaptured, police said.

Robinson was slapped with petty larceny and escape charges, while Scruggs was charged with possession of burglar’s tools, petty larceny and possession of stolen property, authorities said.

Photo courtesy of NYPD