LAKELAND, Fla. — A 19-year-old Lakeland man faces a theft charge after authorities say he walked out of a local grocery store with an expensive bottle of tequila concealed in a tote bag.
Antonio McKeel Simpson was arrested following an investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office into an incident reported at the Publix supermarket at 7340 Kathleen Road.
According to sheriff’s reports, the theft took place around 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. Investigators say Simpson walked into the store, headed straight for the liquor aisle, and took a bottle of Don Julio tequila valued at $109.13.
Deputies said Simpson placed the bottle into a brown tote-style bag he was carrying, bypassed the registers, and left the store without paying. Surveillance and witness accounts indicated he then got into a white Cadillac and drove away from the scene.
A PCSO detective assigned to the case later identified Simpson as the suspect.
During questioning by detectives, Simpson admitted to taking the alcohol, stating he could not afford the bottle of Don Julio and decided to bag it and walk out.
Deputies arrested Simpson without incident and charged him with first-offense petit retail theft. He was booked into the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center.
READ: Overdue Rental Ends In Handcuffs: South Florida Woman Arrested In Winter Haven For Stolen SUV
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