The Plymouth Township Police Department announced on August 20th that it responded to a reported retail theft call on August 15th at the Target at The Metroplex in Plymouth Meeting, which led to a foot chase, an arrest, and the discovery of a handgun.

According to police, 36-year-old Johnathan Latore Shaquan Ward of Philadelphia was uncooperative when stopped by Target Loss Prevention after he was suspected of attempting to steal multiple containers of baby formula. Ward initially avoided being taken into custody when police arrived and fled the store. During the foot chase, Ward was “observed kneeling on top of a sewer grate, where he discarded a Glock, model 43, 9mm handgun” and continued to flee on foot. Officers took him into custody behind DSW Shoe Warehouse.

A firearm was recovered from the sewer, along with a magazine containing eight rounds of ammunition. Police stated that Ward was found to have prior criminal convictions that prevent him from lawfully possessing a firearm. 

Ward was arraigned by the on-call Magisterial District Judge on August 16, 2026. A preliminary hearing is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Jodi Griffis on September 1st. Bail was set at $50,000, cash. Ward was unable to post bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Ward is charged with: Persons not to Possess a Firearm (felon – 2nd degree), Firearms not to be Carried without a License (felony, 3rd degree), Retail Theft (misdemeanor, 1st degree), Receiving Stolen Property (misdemeanor, 1st degree), and Evading Arrest or Detention on Foot (misdemeanor, 2nd degree).

Photos – Plymouth Township Police Department