When the shoplifting suspect began to pull out of a parking spot outside of the Target store Sunday, the Plainville officer let go of the locked door handle and began to back away toward safety. That’s when the driver turned his vehicle toward the officer and hit him, authorities said.
Norfolk prosecutors laid out the details of the incident as Robert M. Camara appeared in Wrentham District Court on Monday morning. A judge set bail at $15,000 for the 38-year-old Attleboro resident after hearing his not guilty plea in the case.
Plainville Officer Todd Holbrook is expected to survive after the morning altercation, but the case occupied officers throughout the day, as a search for Camara unfolded — eventually leading to his capture in his hometown.
“Great job by all officers involved in the investigation to locate Camara,’’ Plainville police wrote on their Facebook page. “We thank all area departments who assisted.’’
Camara faces charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, operating after his right to drive was suspended, larceny over $250, and leaving a scene after causing personal injury, Plainville police said.
The state Registry of Motor Vehicles said it has no record of a person with Camara’s name currently holding a driver’s license in Massachusetts.
According to Plainville police, officers were sent to the Target store on Taunton Street around 10 a.m. Sunday to investigate a report of an ongoing shoplifting incident.
Police tried to stop him in the parking lot, but Camara instead got into a parked car, prosecutors said.
Holbrook was close enough to attempt to open the door, but it was locked. “The suspect then put the car in drive and struck Officer Holbrook as he fled from the Plaza,’’ police wrote in a statement.
Holbrook was treated and released at Rhode Island Hospital on Sunday, police said.
Police got the license plate number of the car that struck Holbrook, and they captured surveillance images they said showed Camara leaving the store. He was arrested in Attleboro at about 6:45 p.m. Sunday, police said.
“Thank you to all the well-wishers for Officer Todd Holbrook,’’ police wrote on the department’s Facebook page on Sunday. “He is very grateful for all the positive thoughts for his well being.
Camara is due to return to court Feb. 17. If he is released on bail, he must stay away from all Target stores, keep out of Plainville, and refrain from driving.
John R. Ellement of the Globe staff contributed to this report. Andy Rosen can be reached at andrew.rosen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @andyrosen.
