BOULDER — A 20-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning after police said he shoplifted from King Soopers, ran from authorities, jumped into Boulder Creek to evade capture, then called for his pursuers’ help when he realized the creek was too dangerous.

According to Boulder police, security personnel at the 1650 30th St. King Soopers saw Ronald Foster put two packs of Coricidin — advertised as a powerful cold medication for people with high blood pressure — in his pocket about 10:45 a.m. Thursday. When confronted, Foster ran from the store and headed west toward 29th Street, according to police.

At 15th Street and Canyon Boulevard, Foster allegedly kicked the unmarked vehicle of a Boulder police detective then kept running, according to police. When he reached Central Park, he jumped into Boulder Creek and immediately began calling for help, police reported.

Officers pulled him from the rushing waters and arrested him on suspicion of theft and disorderly conduct.

He remains in custody at the Boulder County Jail and is due in court for his first appearance at 2 p.m.

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