By Sara Beth Williams–
A man was taken into custody on July 12 after exhibiting erratic behavior inside the PetSmart on Sunrise Boulevard near Arcadia Drive, prompting a police response and brief disruption at the store.
According to the Citrus Heights Police Department, the individual ran into PetSmart and locked himself inside a room inside the store for several minutes, with other people present inside the room. A person outside the room contacted police.
When officers arrived, the man had exited the room and was seen running through aisles before being detained by police, according to officials. The man was arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.
Police worked to evacuate customers while detaining the individual. No injuries were reported.
Residents on social media reported a heavy police presence at the pet store on Saturday afternoon, July 12, and indicated that the man had reportedly locked himself in a pet adoption room with volunteers, and that the store was evacuated.
Police did not confirm whether the suspect was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities indicated that mental health may have played a role in the incident.
