Hillsborough deputies went on a chase Tuesday evening after a man stole a phone a gunpoint from the Walmart on Dale Mabry.
At 7:30 p.m. on September 22, Paul Perez walked to the electronics section of Walmart, used a knife to remove an anti-theft device on the shelf containing the cell phones and pulled a Samsung Galaxy cell phone. On his way to the exit he was confronted by Walmart loss prevention employee so Perez pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the employee as he turned and fled from the store.
Deputies were already on scene for an unrelated shoplifting call when they were notified about the incident. Patrol deputies immediately called for additional assistance including K-9 and Aviation Units.
At 7:45 p.m., deputies searching the surrounding area spotted Perez inside Jersey Mike's Sandwich Shop fleeing towards the rear of the restaurant. As the deputies entered the sandwich shop, Perez emerged from the men's restroom and quickly sat in a booth and surrendered.
Deputies immediately arrested Perez without further incident.
Deputies searched the men's restroom and located a semi-automatic .22 caliber handgun in the trash can. The stolen Samsung Galaxy cell phone was found on Perez.
Perez was booked into the Hillsborough County Orient Road Jail where he is being held with no bond.
