Monrovia, California police officers arrested a man wanted on a no-bail felony probation warrant after he unexpectedly entered a Panda Express restaurant where they were eating, authorities reported. The suspect had previously evaded capture on two separate occasions by fleeing onto a freeway.
Body camera footage released by the Monrovia Police Department captured the July 17 incident. The video shows two officers dining in the restaurant before approaching and detaining the man. The department noted that the arrest concluded a month-long effort to apprehend the suspect.
When questioned by an officer about the reason for his arrest, the suspect asked, "What did I do?" The officer responded, "You've been wanted, you've been running from me for like a month."
According to police, the man had twice escaped officers during previous attempted arrests by running onto the freeway. The final encounter occurred when the suspect entered the Panda Express and approached the officers.
"At this point, we're not sure if it was good police work, bad timing, or the irresistible smell of chow mein," the police department commented in a social media post. "Either way, an arrest was made." The officers reportedly returned to their meal after the arrest, with the department adding, "And don't worry the officers went back for their food and finished their chow mein. Priorities."
The Monrovia Police Department has stated that its social media post and the accompanying footage represent its complete public statement on the matter.