Leesburg police chased down a suspected shoplifter with a history of retail theft.
Malcolm Barnes, 34, of Leesburg, fled the Family Dollar store on North 14 Street Thursday morning after concealing merchandise in a backpack, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. Barnes ran toward the Susan Street Sports Complex and ignored commands from police telling him to stop. He threw the backpack into a dumpster.
After he was apprehended, it was determined he had taken merchandise valued at $7.70. A criminal history check revealed three previous theft convictions.
Barnes was arrested on charges of theft and resisting arrest. He was booked at the Lake County Jail on $3,000 bond.
