A man is accused of trying to run from officers in St. Joseph earlier this week after allegedly trying to sell a stolen scooter.

James Galen Pace, 28 listed as homeless is charged in Buchanan County with a felony for first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle.

According to court documents, on Tuesday police responded to the 2500 block of South 16th in reference to a man and a woman trying to sell a scooter that appeared to be stolen.

“According to the witness statement, the defendant tried to sell him the scooter for $150. Upon police arrival they made contact with the defendant and a female,” said Det. Chase Cotter with the St. Joseph Police Department. “The defendant claimed to own the scooter and advised he had purchased it and had the title. The ignition to the scooter was tampered and the defendant did not have proof of ownership.”

Det. Cotter said when the officer learned the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Atchison, Kan. he tried to arrest Pace.

“He fled on foot. He was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit,” Det. Chase said. “The defendant has a history of possessing stolen vehicles, having been arrested with one less than one week ago.”

Pace was reportedly arrested May 5 for tampering and has convictions for theft, assault, two for possession of a controlled substance and two for domestic assault.

Bond has been set at $25,000 an arraignment is set for Tuesday.