
Dustin Anthony Orton
A 30-year-old Paso Robles man initially managed to evade capture after allegedly shoplifting at Smart & Final in Atascadero Thursday afternoon. But he failed to get away from police once officers brought in a K-9 and a helicopter to assist with the search.
Atascadero police officers arrived in the area of Smart & Final shortly before 3 p.m. and found a man matching the description of the suspect. The suspect, later identified as Dustin Anthony Orton, fled on foot, according to police.
Officers set up a perimeter in the area of Curbaril, Sinaloa and Santa Ysabel avenues. During the pursuit, officers learned that Orton was reportedly armed with a knife.
Police requested an Atascadero K-9 unit and a CHP helicopter. With assistance from the K-9 and the helicopter, officers started a search in the 8900 block of Curbaril and located the suspect in a nearby backyard.
When confronted, Orton refused to comply with officers’ demands. Officers then deployed the K-9 and captured him.
Orton received treatment from medics prior to being booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail.
Authorities say Orton had a felony no-bail warrant at the time of Thursday’s incident. Additional charges are pending.