Texas fugitive arrested after scuffle in store

KETCHIKAN (AP) -- A fugitive wanted on cocaine trafficking charges was arrested after a struggle in a Carrs store Sunday.

Albert E. Herrera, 30, was taken into custody by an off-duty Alaska State Trooper with the help of four men inside the store. Herrera is being held on Texas warrants, troopers said.

Trooper Gary Webb told the Ketchikan Daily News that Herrera had been under investigation in Ketchikan for about a week on suspicion of misdemeanor thefts. During that investigation, Webb said, he learned Herrera's name.

Webb was off duty and in plain clothes Sunday about lunchtime and walked into Carrs with his wife and daughter when he saw Herrera at the Western Union counter.

''I told him he was under arrest,'' Webb said.

''He ran toward the produce department and I tackled him,'' Webb said. ''He put up quite a struggle and I called out for help. Four gentlemen there assisted me.''

With the help of the store manager and three other men, Webb said, Herrera was subdued.

Ketchikan police took Herrera to Ketchikan General Hospital and then to jail.

Webb said Texas plans to extradite Herrera.

Webb said he would have liked to thank the people who helped him in the store but he did not know their names.

''I do appreciate all the gentlemen who assisted me,'' he said.