A Phoenix man was arrested on April 19 at the Wal-Mart located on the 800 block of East Southern Avenue on suspicion of shoplifting, according to a police report.
A Wal-Mart manager saw the man removing his own shoes, placing them on the shelf and walking out of the store wearing a brand new pair, according to the report.
He was apprehended at the adjacent 99 Cent store, where an officer searched the man's jacket and found the shoelaces, police reported. The man said he was planning on shoplifting the shoes upon entering the store, according to the report.
The man agreed to answer questions from the police officer, and said that he stole the shoes because he didn't even have money for food, police reported.
Additionally, the man had a felony warrant after he failed to appear in Gila County Superior Court, according to the report.
He was transported to Tempe City Jail, where he was booked and held to see a judge, according to the report.
Just five days prior, on April 14, a 35-year-old Phoenix man was arrested at the Wal-Mart located on the 1300 block of West Elliot Road on suspicion of shoplifting, dangerous drugs and paraphernalia possession and having an outstanding warrant from Phoenix City Court, according to a police report.
The man removed a backpack from the shelves, filled it with over $200 of merchandise and exited the Walmart without paying, police reported.
A security officer witnessed the man leaving the premises and stopped him, according to the report. The man was carrying a small plastic bag that contained glass pipes and a useable amount of methamphetamine, police reported.
He was taken to the Tempe City Jail, where he was booked and held to see a judge, according to the report.
Reports compiled by Ben Margiott.
Reach the reporter at bmargiot@asu.edu or follow @benmargiott on Twitter.
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