A Leesburg man was arrested for theft after trying to ride a $328 mountain bike out of Walmart without paying for it.
An officer responded to Walmart, located at 2501 Citrus Blvd., regarding a suspicious call for service at 6:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. Employees wanted 31-year-old Cameron Jay Cole trespassed due to his history of stealing from the store.
Dispatch also advised that Cole had been seen on security cameras riding a black mountain bike past all points of sale. He was stopped by an employee and escorted to the Loss Prevention Office, the report said.
Upon arrival, the officer met with a loss prevention employee who saw Cole walk in through the garden section and make his way over to the bikes. He picked up a 29-inch Ozark Trail Mountain Bike worth $328, walked toward the registers and tried to leave the store. He was then taken to the office, the report said.
When asked about the incident, Cole stated he did not bring any money to the store. He was jobless and had none, admitting he tried to walk out of the store without paying for the bike, the report said.
Cole was arrested on charge of retail theft (less than $750) and transported to Lake County Jail. He was released after posting $500 bond.