PAINTSVILLE, Ky. — What began a routine shoplifting call Friday night quickly escalated, but stopped just short of shots being fired.

Paintsville Police were called to Walmart around 7 p.m. over a report of a shoplifter. When officers arrived, they found the suspect, Scotty Marshall, 39, of Salyersville, in the doorway of the security office. When Marshall saw the officers, the police report says he ran out of the store and into the parking lot.

An officer caught up with Marshall as he tried to get into his car and told him he was under arrest. Police say Marshall then allegedly pulled a knife and began brandishing it toward the officer’s face and neck. The officer tried to use a taser to bring Marshall under control, but it failed.

The officer next began reaching for his gun, which caused Marshall to drop his knife and surrender.

He was arrested and charged with theft, fleeing police, assaulting an officer and other charges.