A man in Leesburg, Florida, was arrested earlier this week after he allegedly tried to walk out of Walmart without paying for a bag of potato chips and a soft drink.
The incident, though minor in terms of the value of the stolen items, resulted in a serious charge due to the man’s criminal history.
According to the arrest report from Leesburg police, officers responded to the Walmart store located at 2501 Citrus Boulevard after receiving a call about a suspected shoplifter.
The suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Larry Lee Warner, was reportedly seen placing items into a backpack while inside the store and then attempting to leave without paying for them.
Store security staff were the first to notice Warner’s suspicious behavior. Surveillance footage showed him selecting a few items, including a bag of chips and a bottle of soda, and putting them into a black backpack he was carrying.
He allegedly bypassed all the checkout lanes and tried to exit the store through the front entrance.
Once stopped by Walmart’s loss prevention officer, Warner reportedly tried to walk away and said something along the lines of “I didn’t take anything.” When police arrived on the scene, they asked Warner to open his bag. Inside, they found the chips and soda, confirming the store’s complaint.
Police ran a background check and discovered that Warner had several prior theft-related convictions on his record. This wasn’t his first encounter with law enforcement, which elevated the current charge from petty theft to felony theft under Florida law. In the state of Florida, a person with two or more previous theft convictions can face felony charges for even a low-dollar theft.
Warner was arrested at the scene and transported to the Lake County Jail. According to jail records, he is being held without bond and faces a third-degree felony theft charge. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
While the total value of the stolen goods is believed to be less than $10, the legal consequences are far more serious due to Warner’s repeated offenses.
Officials said it’s not uncommon for repeat offenders to face higher penalties even when the stolen items are of low value. The goal, according to law enforcement, is to discourage repeat theft and promote accountability.
This incident has also brought attention to shoplifting issues in large retail chains. Walmart, being one of the most targeted stores for theft, continues to face challenges in curbing minor but frequent theft cases.
Many stores have tightened security and added more surveillance cameras and staff to monitor customer behavior in high-theft areas like food and beverage sections.
Locals who heard about the arrest expressed a mix of surprise and concern. “It’s just sad. I mean, it was chips and a drink, but if you keep stealing over and over, the law’s going to catch up with you,” said a Leesburg resident who shops regularly at Walmart.
As of now, Warner remains in custody while he awaits a court hearing. No court date has been publicly announced yet.
This case is a reminder that even seemingly small actions like trying to steal snacks can result in serious legal trouble, especially for those with a criminal record. Police have once again advised residents to seek help if they are in need, rather than resorting to theft, no matter how minor it may seem.
For now, the Leesburg Walmart has chosen not to comment further on the incident but confirmed that they are cooperating with police and will continue to enforce a strict no-theft policy.