Florida man hides over $300 worth of stolen Walmart merchandise in his pants, arrested on August 15
OCALA, FLORIDA: A recent incident at a Walmart in Florida, led to the arrest of Justin Matthew Goodreau after the suspect was accused of stealing more than $300 worth of merchandise in his pants and attempting to evade authorities.
The alleged theft occurred at the Walmart located at 34 Bahia Avenue in Ocala on August 15, as reported by Fox 35 Orlando.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff, a Walmart loss prevention officer became suspicious of a Florida man who was seen placing numerous items in his pants and walking past the checkout registers.
The suspect was later identified as Justin Matthew Goodreau.
After bypassing the checkout registers without any intention of paying for the items, Justin Matthew Goodreau proceeded toward the exit.
When the Walmart loss prevention officer approached him, the Florida man swiftly left the scene in a red Kia, audaciously declaring, "you can't catch me."
Law enforcement officers were promptly notified, and a deputy was able to locate the suspect's vehicle about a half-mile away, in the 7600 block of SE Maricamp Road.
A traffic stop was initiated, and Justin Matthew Goodreau was taken into custody for further investigation. Additionally, the driver of the red Kia granted permission for a search of the vehicle.
During the detainment, Justin Matthew Goodreau requested permission to smoke a cigarette, which was located inside the passenger seat. As the deputy retrieved the cigarette box, a small folded piece of yellow paper caught their attention.
Upon inspection, it was revealed that the paper contained a crystal-like substance that subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine.
Inside the car, law enforcement also discovered a backpack containing several opened Walmart items, as well as a clear pipe.
The stolen items found in Goodreau's possession included a watch, lubricant, a portable charger, and headphones, with a total value of $323.59 before tax.
These items were later returned to Walmart's loss prevention.
Justin Matthew Goodreau faces charges of misdemeanor petit theft, felony drug possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with the incident.
The Florida man was arrested and transported to Marion County Jail where he is currently being held on a $9,000 bond. According to jail records, a court date has been set for 9 am, Tuesday, September 19.