Police: Bethlehem Man Charged in Theft, Resisting Arrest

Two men were arrested on charges they stole polo shirts from the Bon-Ton at South Mall, and two Salisbury police officers who responded to the call Thursday were injured in the incident, police said.

King David III, 28, of 557 Ontario St., Bethlehem, and Nathan A. Markham, 26, of 947 Fernwood St., Emmaus, have each been charged with retail theft, criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief and receiving stolen property.

David is also charged with persistent disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.

The names of the two Salisbury Township Police Officers injured were not disclosed. One of the officers received treatment at the Lehigh Valley Health Network-Cedar Crest.  

David also was treated at the hospital and released back into police custody. 

According to police, police were dispatched to the Bon-Ton at the South Mall at 4:05 p.m. on Thursday to investigate a report of a retail theft in progress.

Bon-Ton security guards told police that two men came into the store with an empty bag, grabbed polo shirts from the store and headed to the dressing room. The security guards said they saw the men leave the store.

Police arrived and David allegedly began to fight with police and tried to flee, police reported. Both David and Markham were eventually taken into custody.

David and Markham were transported to the Lehigh County Central Booking Center, where they were processed and arraigned. 

David was sent to Lehigh County Prison under $40,000 straight bail. Markham was sent to Lehigh County Prison under $30,000 straight bail.

Several members of the Emmaus Police Department, including their K9 unit, assisted at the scene.