An off-duty police officer was shopping at Bluewater Shopping Centre at 11.40am on Saturday (November 9), when the suspect, fleeing the Apple shop with security guards in pursuit, ran directly into his path.
He detained him until further patrols arrived at the scene.
The 26-year-old man from Wembley was arrested on suspicion of theft, assaulting an emergency worker and common assault.
The suspect has since been released on bail until Monday, November 25, with conditions not to enter Kent.
A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “An off duty police officer sprang into action to help detain a suspected thief at Bluewater.
“He was shopping at the centre when, at around 11.40am on Saturday, November 9 2024, it is reported a man attempted to steal two iPhones from inside the Apple store.
“As the suspect fled the shop pursued by security guards, he ran directly into the path of the off duty officer, who detained him until further patrols arrived at the scene.
“The 26-year-old man from Wembley was arrested on suspicion of theft, assaulting an emergency worker and common assault.
“The suspect has since been released on bail until Monday 25 November, with conditions not to enter Kent.”