Cops make arrest after foot chase

Published 10:46 am Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A 23-year-old Austin man led police on a zig-zag chase through backyards Tuesday after allegedly stealing a $12 bottle of brandy.

Cobai

Mayai Arob Shaben Cobai was arrested in the 300 block of Eighth Street NE around 4 p.m. According to Police Chief Brian Krueger, Cobai fought the arrest and yelled profanities at officers as they handcuffed and searched him. Cobai was tazed, pepper sprayed and restrained in a spithood after allegedly resisting arrest and attempting to spit at the squad cars and officers, Krueger said.

The alleged chase began around 4 p.m. when Star Liquor employees reported that a man had stolen a bottle of liquor from the store. Police found Cobai, the alleged suspect, near Third Avenue NE and attempted to speak with him, but he began running. Officers chased him as he cut through the neighborhood and through backyards to different blocks.

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Police caught up with the man in the 300 block of Eighth Street NE, where he was arrested. Krueger said Cobai had his hand in his pocket throughout the chase, and during the arrest a bottle of E&J brandy, valued at $12.29, fell out of his pocket.

Cobai is on probation for a conviction of terroristic threats. He was convicted in October 2011.