Homeless man shoplifts over $100 worth of items from Walmart

A homeless man was arresteded for shoplifting after stealing over $100 in items from a Walmart in Leesburg. 

Police responded to Tally Road and Greenleaf Court to assist in arresting a theft suspect involved in an incident at Walmart on 2501 Citrus Boulevard around 4:01 p.m. Saturday, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department.  

The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Paul Andra McCants, was on the ground with taser probes still attached to his midback area upon the arrival of additional officers, the report said. 

Prior to this encounter, the Leesburg Police Department requested more units due to McCants passing all points of sale with numerous arts and crafts, clothing, personal care and food items. He placed them in his backpack before leaving the store without paying. He fled the store southbound through the parking lot headed to Greenleaf Court on foot, the report said. 

The arresting officer observed McCants walking on Greenleaf Court where he sat down on an electrical power box. He proceeded to eat food in a clear container from Walmart. The officer approached McCants at taser point, commanding that he show his hands. McCants became noncompliant with orders given in regard to showing his hands by instead placing them behind his back, the report said. 

McCants then went to the ground in a prone position. The officer gained control of McCants’ right arm, but he rolled his body over to prevent the officer from securing him in handcuffs. The officer immediately disengaged and deployed his taser to McCants’ back area. Two more officers arrived on scene and assisted in getting him handcuffed, the report said. 

Officers received surveillance footage from the store as well as a receipt for the 14 stolen items with the total being $105.58. The loss prevention officer requested that McCants be trespassed indefinitely, and McCants was informed he would be arrested should he return to the store, the report said. 

After being medically cleared, McCants was transported to the Lake County Jail without bond. He was charged with resisting without violence and retail theft (shoplifting).