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An Atmore man was arrested June 7 on possession of drugs and theft charges, according to officials.

Atmore Police Department Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell McMann said in a release that James Peoples, 67, was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft of property IV and attempting to elude a police officer.

McMann said at approximately 1:25 p.m. Saturday, APD officers responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifting complaint.

“The officers were provided a description of the suspect who left the store,” McMann said. “The suspect was observed by officers on North Main Street. One of the officers attempted to contact him, but the suspect fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the officer took Peoples into custody.”

McMann said the officers recovered the stolen items, and recovered a small amount of crack cocaine from Peoples as well as items used to ingest narcotics.

Peoples was transported to the Escambia County Detention Center in Brewton.