An Iowa City man was charged with aggravated theft Oct. 15 after he was allegedly involved in an altercation with loss-prevention personnel at the Hy-Vee on N. Dodge St.

Iowa City police responded to the location after they received reports of James Edmondson, 49, fighting with Hy-Vee staff in the parking lot. When the officers arrived, the alleged shoplifter had fled on foot.

Iowa City police used a K-9 to assist in tracking the suspect, who was not located.

According to the complaint, Edmondson was charged after being identified by the store’s security cameras and confirmed by several employees. He allegedly called officers later to speak about the incident, and he allegedly admitted to the attempted theft and to taking part in the altercation.

— by Matt Starns