After a month of eluding police, a wanted man’s run came to an unlikely end when he walked into a Panda Express — right where two officers searching for him had sat down for dinner.
The chance encounter happened around 8:30 p.m. on July 17 in Monrovia, California, when the officers, who were on a meal break, recognized the man as someone wanted for a probation violation.
One of the officers was still eating a beef and broccoli bowl when the suspect entered the San Gabriel Valley restaurant.
The break ended almost immediately.
Body camera video shows the officers quickly leaving their table and approaching the man near the counter before placing him under arrest.
The arrest was especially notable because police had already tried to take him into custody twice before.
In both earlier attempts, officers spotted the suspect while he was walking, but he managed to get away by running onto a freeway.
This time, there was no freeway escape, no extended chase and no chance to run.
Just two cops, one Panda Express and a wanted man who apparently had absolutely no idea who was having dinner nearby.
The Monrovia Police Department released the bodycam footage Aug. 27, weeks after the arrest, and poked fun at the bizarre timing on Instagram.
“At this point, we’re not sure if it was good police work, bad timing, or the irresistible smell of chow mein.”
Whatever the reason, the officers finally got their man.
“And don’t worry, the officers went back for their food and finished their chow mein. Priorities,” the post read.
The details of the crime connected to the probation violation were not immediately available.
