A Hudson Valley Walmart employee is being called a "hero" for helping stop an alleged thief who was accused of assaulting a cop.

On Wednesday around 11:20 a.m., the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a man at the Monticello Walmart who was cutting security tags off of merchandise.

Maurice Mitchell, 30, of New Windsor was spotted by store security attempting to steal a home cinema system and a personal computer, police say.

Mitchell waited until the greeter at the front door of the store was distracted and then allgeldy tried to run out with the items.

He was met by Sheriff’s Deputy Connor Alvarez. Mitchell is accused of fighting with the officer who was trying to arrest him. Walmart security officer Daniel King saw the commotion, came to the deputy’s aid and called for help on the deputy’s radio, police say.

Nearby units heard the call for assistance and responded to the scene where, with the help of other civilians, Mitchell was taken into custody. Sullivan County
Sheriff Mike Shiff praised King, calling him a "hero."

Mitchell was charged with assault of a police officer, grand larceny, felonies and a misdemeanor for resisting arrest. He was sent to the Sullivan County Jail in lieu of $40,000 bail pending a future court date.

The officer was treated for abrasions to his head, face and hands.

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