MPD: Man pulls knife on security guard during suspected theft

Two people were arrested Friday night after one of them pulled a knife on a security guard at the Walmart on Nakoosa Trail, Madison police said.

Walmart staff members watched two shoppers for almost two hours around 6 p.m. Friday because they appeared to be tampering with price tags, according to a release.

Police said at one point Nicholas N. Natale, 22, of Sauk City, left the store, and a loss prevention expert followed him outside to a car.

Police said the employee was trying to get a picture of the car’s license plate when Natale saw the employee, pulled out a knife and said “What are you doing, bro?” Natale ran back into the store to get his alleged accomplice, Annastasia N. Evans, 19, of Sun Prairie, and the couple fled as police were arriving, officials said.

Police searched the car, which was being driven by another man, and found numerous cellphones, electronics and drug paraphernalia, according to the release. Investigators are working to determine who owns the items.

Natale faces tentative charges of disorderly conduct while armed, retail theft and four counts of bail jumping. Evans faces tentative charges of retail theft and three counts of bail jumping. She was also arrested on a probation hold.