A Davenport man was arrested for theft after concealing $70 of items inside a Walmart plastic bag and trying to leave the store without paying.
A deputy responded to Walmart, located at 550 U.S. Hwy. 27, Clermont, regarding a retail theft complaint later found to involve 27-year-old Edwin Martinez Ortiz around 1:40 p.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival, the deputy met with a Walmart asset protection agent who stated he was following Martinez Ortiz throughout the store. He would place items in his basket and then into a Walmart plastic bag. In the process, he stole Ruffles potato chips, a bottle of Sprite, miscellaneous food items and several clothing items, the report said.
The agent stated Martinez Ortiz would store the items in a plastic bag commonly used for final checkout. He walked past the checkout lines, failing to pay for the items, and proceeded to the grocery side exit, the report said.
The agent gave the deputy security camera footage of Martinez Ortiz walking past all points of sale as he tried to leave the store. He ultimately stole $70.03 in merchandise, the report said.
Marinez Ortiz was identified by his name and date of birth. This information yielded a state-created Florida ID card. He confirmed the previous address on the card but stated he no longer lived there. He was unsure of his new address, the report said.
The native of Puerto Rico was arrested on charge of retail theft and transported to Lake County Jail. Bond was set at $500.