A Corpus Christi Police Officer was injured at the 3800 block of Highway 77 when a shoplifter attempted to escape from custody Friday night.

Store employees stopped a 21-year-old man at about 7:00pm Friday night when he tried to steal cigarette lighters and three game controllers from the store. Corpus Christi Police were called to the store located at 3829 Highway 77 for the shoplifting complaint.

The responding officer arrested 21-year-old James Cordova (6/18/1991) for theft, a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. The officer placed handcuffs on Cordova and walked him to the patrol car.

Cordova pulled and spun in an effort to escape. The officer had a hold of the handcuffs and her hand became caught in the chain of the handcuffs causing injury to her hand. Cordova then kicked the officer and ran.

Cordova was apprehended from his escape attempt and returned to the officer’s patrol car. Cordova was additionally charged with Escape, a 2^nd degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Cordova was then delivered to the city detention center. The officer did not seek any immediate medical treatment and continued the duty day to the completion of her shift.

Date: March 22, 2013, 19:00

Location: 3829 Highway 77 http://goo.gl/maps/z3Jla

Offense: Theft and Escape

Case Number: 1303220137