Shoplifter arrested at Walmart's 'Shop with a Cop' event, leaving police stunned
Police in Virginia taking part in "Shop With A Cop" at Walmart. (Credit: Chesterfield County Police)
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. - Police in Virginia have been left stunned after a suspected shoplifter decided to steal during a "Shop with a Cop" event at a local Walmart.
Chesterfield County police officers and sheriff’s deputies were at the annual holiday event at Walmart, where they help children pick out gifts.
Moments later, officers and deputies had to put aside their Christmas cheer to solve a crime.
"A member of the staff at Walmart came up to us and informed us they had a shoplifting in progress," Chesterfield County Police Lt. James Lamb told CBS 6. "Between the sheriff’s department and police officers we had about 50 uniform personnel at the store."
Law enforcement then spread out to quickly look for the suspect.
"As we approached from different directions, he tried to escape out the back of the store where he was apprehended," Lamb added. "I think he was stunned."
The suspect was caught and later identified as 32-year-old Hector D. Velazquez Maldonado, according to local news outlets. He had warrants out for his arrest for failure to appear in court on a previous shoplifting charge, as well as other charges.
Maldonado attempted to steal $1,400 worth of items from the store, according to police. He faces a charge of grand larceny.