Off-duty Visalia Police officer stops theft suspect at Home Depot parking lot 

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- An off-duty Visalia Police officer helped stop a theft at a Home Depot parking lot on Saturday afternoon.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m., officers responded to the Home Depot on South Demaree Street for a reported theft and were advised that an off-duty officer was involved in an altercation with the suspect.

Authorities say 53-year-old Jimmy Aguirre had walked out of an emergency exit with a loaded cart and, when confronted, became violent and walked through the parking lot.

Aguirre also struck a car with a metal pipe, causing damage.

An off-duty officer saw Aguirre and identified himself, and displayed his badge when Aguirre struck him.

The officer physically detained Aguirre with the help of a nearby oil changer employee until officers arrived on the scene.

Aguirre was on parole and was arrested and booked at the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Detention Facility for robbery, felony vandalism, battery on a peace officer, and a parole violation.