A Scranton man is in custody after allegedly taking a purse from a female at a local shopping center and later running on foot from Fort Dodge police, according to the Fort Dodge Police Department.

Christopher James Lehrkamp, 33, is charged with first-degree theft, a class C felony and carrying weapons, a serious misdemeanor.

Lehrkamp reportedly took a purse from a female’s shopping cart at Walmart, 3036 First Ave. S., Friday afternoon.

He then ran from the store, dropping the purse and a knife, according to police.

The victim was not injured during those events, police reported.

The incident was reported at 12:08 p.m.

A short time later, police located a vehicle, which had been described by the victim and witnesses at the scene.

The vehicle was found in the 2400 block of First Avenue South.

“The suspect was located a short distance from the scene due to the quick relay of suspect information from witnesses involved,” Capt. Ryan Gruenberg, of the Fort Dodge Police Department, said.

When officers approached the vehicle, Lehrkamp allegedly ran from them.

After a brief foot pursuit, he was apprehended.

Lerhkamp suffered minor injuries. He was treated at the scene by paramedics from the Fort Dodge Fire Department.

Lehrkamp is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Webster County Magistrate Court on Saturday.