TAMPA, Fla. — A 45-year-old man with 18 previous theft convictions is back in custody after deputies said he was caught stealing from a local discount store on East Fletcher Avenue Saturday evening.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to Diddie’s Discount at 7:03 p.m. on August 29, 2026, following a 911 call reporting an active shoplifting incident.
According to store staff, Demario Card attempted to leave the business with more than $400 worth of stolen merchandise. An employee confronted Card before he could exit. While Card handed back a portion of the items during that initial confrontation, he walked out of the store with more than $100 worth of goods.
The store employee intervened a second time outside, stopping Card until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Deputies took Card into custody without further incident. While searching him during the arrest, deputies reported finding cocaine in his possession.
According to sheriff’s office records, Card was recently released from state prison following a prior sentence for grand theft. In addition to his latest arrest, his criminal history includes 18 previous convictions for theft-related offenses.
Card was transported to the Hillsborough County jail, where he faces charges connected to the shoplifting incident and the drug possession.
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