CHANDLER, AZ — A theft suspect attempts to escape by starting a fire at Chandler Regional Hospital.
A suspect, police say is responsible for at least seven thefts at Valley Lowe's stores is arrested in Chandler.
Investigators with Chandler and Gilbert police report that during the month of November, Justin Allen Carrillo, age 21, stole equipment from eight Lowes and Home Depot stores in five Valley cities.
Police say Carrillo stole over $6,000 worth of chain saws, generators and welders.
Store video revealed the car the suspect was driving was registered to his girlfriend.
On December 12 Carrillo was stopped after undercover officers watched him steal more items and sell them to an 'Offer up' customer.
He was stopped and arrested near Arizona Avenue and Germann Road.
While Carrillo was in handcuffs and sitting on the side of the road, police say, he got up and ran across the heavily congested road and was struck by a car.
Carrillo was taken to Chandler Regional Hospital for treatment.
The next day while handcuffed to an Emergency Room bed,
Carrillo allegedly placed a metal earring into the wires of a piece of medical equipment and started a fire.
Carrillo reportedly made statements to nurses saying," I was just trying to get out of here."
Police say he did nearly $12,000 in damage
He has been charged with multiple counts of theft, armed robbery and arson.
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