September 17, 2024 – Lakewood Sheriff's Station officials report that Deputies responded to Walmart on Carson Street regarding a theft investigation. Deputies saw video footage of the suspect, a male adult, as he walked through the store placing items in his shopping cart. The suspect also took some new shoes from the shoe department and put them on prior to walking out of the store without paying. The deputies located the suspect near a 7-11 in the area.

The suspect was placed under private persons arrest (by Walmart Loss Prevention employee) for petty theft since the items stolen were valued under the $950 threshold. Nowadays it is common knowledge that after committing petty theft, a private person’s arrest is required if the crimes were not witnessed by Law Enforcement and the value of the items total value is less than $950.

The suspects’ rap sheet revealed over 40 prior arrests, some of which included felony armed robbery and residential burglary. When the suspect appeared in court on this case (for petty theft with numerous prior convictions) he was sentenced to 30 days in county jail but was released 2 days later due to current “short sentence” policies.

Lakewood Station Deputies respond to retail or convenience stores numerous times daily for petty theft investigations and take appropriate police action by enforcing current laws available to them. Most of the suspects arrested for petty theft are repeat offenders.

Our deputies will continue to work hard to keep our businesses safe, despite the current policies set by the justice system.

Be safe everyone!

Source & photo: Lakewood Sheriff's Station