A Fruitland Park man was arrested on a charge of retail theft after he and an unidentified female allegedly stole nearly $300 worth of items from Walmart using the self-checkout.
Officers responded to Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Boulevard, regarding a retail theft around 8:38 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department.
Upon the officers’ arrival, asset protection associates advised that a male and female were leaving the store and gave descriptions of both. The officers made contact with a man who matched that description on Walmart property. The man identified himself as 49-year-old Gary Alan Stokes, the report said.
One of the officers further interviewed the asset protection associates who stated that they observed the female scan one item multiple times in place of other, more expensive items while standing with Stokes at self-checkout register 38. The items were then placed into a green backpack in a shopping cart, the report said.
Stokes gave the female money to pay for the items and began leaving the store while pushing the shopping cart with the stolen items. He was then approached by an asset protection associate who told him to stop. However, he became aggressive and refused to talk with the associate. He instead passed all points of sale and walked out of the business, the report said.
It was later determined that Stokes and the female stole a total of 21 items, which were itemized on a training receipt totaling $288.02. The asset protection associates completed a written statement and signed an intent to prosecute on behalf of Walmart. They also provided the officers with a DVD containing surveillance video evidence of Stokes committing retail theft, the report said.
Additionally, a criminal history check of Stokes revealed he had two prior convictions for theft. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the LPD for the booking process, the report said.
The Texas native was ultimately charged with retail theft (two or more prior theft) and transported to Lake County Jail. He was released on his own recognizance, meaning he is responsible for appearing in court on June 24.
Stokes was also arrested in April for allegedly stealing a license plate off an abandoned car.