Posted on Wed, Jul. 07, 2010

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery on Monday evening after he allegedly pointed a serrated steak knife at employees of an Arroyo Grande Rite Aid store and emptied its cash registers.

The incident started at 6:52 p.m., when police received a call about a robbery happening at the drugstore at 1207 E. Grand Ave.

Police said Garth Nogalez, a recent San Diego area resident, ran from the store before officers arrived.

Police Officer Shane Day and his K-9 partner, “Gregor,” arrived at the store and quickly caught up with Nogalez in the 100 block of Aspen Street. Nogalez was arrested after a brief foot pursuit and struggle with Gregor, police said.

It was the first foot pursuit for Day and Gregor, police said.

No one was injured during the incident.

-- Cynthia Lambert