(Michigan City, IN) - A man is charged with taking merchandise at knifepoint from Meijer in Michigan City. 

55 year old Richard Cope is charged with level 3 felony robbery.  About three weeks ago, police said the Michigan City man was about to leave without paying for some of his merchandise.  A loss prevention worker at Meijer approached him.  That’s when Cope allegedly displayed a knife and fled the store.  After charged yesterday, Cope was located in Michigan City and taken to the La Porte County Jail. 

This isn’t the first time Cope has been in trouble with the law.   In 2017, the tattoo artist he was given a four year prison sentence.  Authorities said he stomped on a puppy, breaking both of the dog’s hips then taped the puppy’s mouth shut.  The dog was found wandering the neighborhood and later recovered.  Cope fled the area but later was found in Texas close to the border with Mexico.