[dennis in se pa]

The police clearly over reacted and misbehaved. That is the result of the pursuit of a shoplifter? Are you kidding me? If I lived in that city I would be moving out now.
An easy and painless solution would have been to use the element of time. Sooner or later the perp would need food. Turn off the water and electric.
Whoever made the decision to take this action needs to be relieved of his duties and receive mental evaluation.