One of three shoplifting suspects who Wareham Police say injured a 76-year-old Walmart employee last month was taken into custody Tuesday following his arrest in Rhode Island.

David V. Pasquale, 25, of 50 Seabury St. Providence, was arrested by the Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force on Friday, Oct. 19, following an investigation conducted by Wareham Police detectives in conjunction with the Providence Police Department and Rhode Island State Police. 

Officials said that the arrest was a direct result of the public becoming actively involved and providing tips to the department.

“We are very grateful to our partners in the media and the public for assisting with this case,” said Acting Wareham Police Chief John Walcek on Tuesday. “We would not have had a successful conclusion without their help.”

Wareham Police first sought the public’s help in identifying three suspects on Sept. 14 after a 76-year-old Walmart employee was injured in a shoplifting incident that was initially reported as a hit and run.

Police arrived at the Walmart on Tobey Road around 6 p.m. on Sept. 13. There, they found the elderly employee injured and on the ground. Police later learned that the car involved, a blue Honda with no license plates, was used by three suspects in order to escape after shoplifting from the store.

Video surveillance from Walmart shows the three men with shopping carts in the gun safety and cleaning section of the store. The elderly employee attempted to stop the shoplifters as they left and was dragged several feet by the Honda before being knocked to the ground.

When the man stood up, he was again knocked to the ground by a suspect who rammed him with a shopping cart. Police reported that the elderly employee was later taken to Tobey Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Pasquale was brought to Wareham on Oct. 23 by two officers, transferring him into the department’s custody from Rhode Island authorities.

After being processed at the Wareham Police Station, Pasquale was taken to Wareham District Court for his arraignment. He is charged with shoplifting and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60.

Walcek noted that the investigation into the incident is still open and that more arrests are expected.

Anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspects involved should call 508-295-1212 or Text-A-Tip to the Wareham Police Department at 274637. Type “warehampd” in the text field along with your message.