SALISBURY, Md.- Salisbury police say a 60-year-old Virginia shoplifting suspect is also facing assault, weapons and numerous traffic charges after he threatened a store loss prevention officer with a knife and then led authorities on a wild chase through the city.

Early Wednesday evening, police were requested to respond to the Boscov's department store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifting suspect who had threatened a loss prevention officer with a knife and then fled in a vehicle. 

As officers were on their way to the store, they learned the suspect was heading southbound on Route 13.  The Boscov's loss prevention officer followed the suspect's vehicle and provided information about their current location to a police dispatcher.  

The suspect was located in the area of Route 13 and Columbia Road and was initially stopped on Northwood Drive. Investigators say that when police approached the suspect, he took off again on southbound Route 13 at a high rate of speed, disregarding several traffic control devices as well as other motorists on the roadway. 

Police say the suspect lost control of the vehicle at Route 13 and East Church Street and struck the curb, resulting in a disabled vehicle. Investigators say the suspect tried to run away but was caught after a brief foot chase. 

In an interview with Boscov's loss prevention officer, officers were informed that the suspect had entered into the store and concealed several items of clothing in a bag. According to the loss prevention officer, the suspect was observed passing all points of sale without stopping to pay. When approached by the loss prevention officer the suspect dumped the clothing on the floor of the vestibule, according to investigators. They say the suspect then removed a razor knife from his pocket, exposing the blade, and swung the knife in the direction of the loss prevention officer's face, narrowly missing his face. Investigators say the suspect then fled from the store and entered into the vehicle, resulting in the ensuing police chase.

The suspect, identified as 60-year-old Charles Kates of Machipongo, Va., was charged with first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, theft less than $1,000, openly wear and carry a dangerous weapon and approximately 20 motor vehicle citations. He was turned over to the custody of Wicomico Central Booking.