Theft Suspect Leads Police On Chase Through City

An Eastlake man lead police on a chase through the city after he tried to steal $226 worth of beer, toilet paper and crabs' legs Thursday morning from the on Mentor Avenue, Mentor Police Lt. Tom Powers said.

A security guard stopped 47-year-old Edward Burrington as he tried to leave the store, Burrington left his shopping cart and ran away, Powers said.

Burrington fled in his Ford Escort -- first driving east on Mentor Avenue, then north on Heisley Road and west on Jackson Street. He then ditched his car and hid in the Osborne Drive area, Powers said.

Police searched the area but could not find him.

"We told the people in local businesses to keep an eye out for him and -- sure enough -- somebody spotted him," Powers said.

When police arrested Burrington, he was sopping wet because he had been hiding in a creek that was surrounded by thick undergrowth.

Burrington was already wanted on another petty theft warrant from Mentor Police Department, Powers said.

Burrington faces two charges of petty theft -- one from the warrant -- a charge of reckless operation, not wearing a seat belt, obstructing official business and driving without a license.

The following arrest information was supplied by the Mentor Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. For questions about this story, email jason.lea@patch.com.