Man accused of theft drives into Pawtucket officer in failed get-away

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- An East Providence man accused of stealing new rims from the Town Fair Tire store late Sunday morning attempted to get away -- by running over an officer.

Todd Walton, 29, was carrying boxes of new rims into his car when he saw Officer James Baino Jr., said Maj. Arthur Martins. He bolted -- driving into the officer and hitting his legs, but Baino got into his cruiser and drove after Walton, pursuing him through the city, Martins said.

Walton crashed into a curb on School Street and Baino boxed him in, Martins said. Walton was charged with breaking and entering, assault on a police officer, hit and run, eluding police, and resisting arrest.

The officer had minor injuries, Martins said.