SUMMERFIELD, Fla. (KLFY) — A Leesburg man was arrested Monday afternoon after attempting to steal items from Walmart and running into traffic to avoid arrest.
The Theft
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Kahlil Malik Caswell entered Walmart, located at 17961 S U.S. Hwy. 441 in Summerfield, around 2:30 p.m. and began filling a tan backpack with stolen merchandise. Walmart employees and a loss prevention officer observed his suspicious behavior, and when deputies arrived, they were informed that Caswell was still inside the store.
Upon meeting with the store’s staff, the deputy was told that Caswell had not left the store yet and could not be charged with retail theft. However, Walmart wanted him trespassed from the premises. The loss prevention officer noted that Caswell was heading toward the garden exit. By the time the deputy arrived at that exit, Caswell was already about 75 yards away from the store.
Fleeing the Scene
After abandoning the backpack containing stolen items inside the store, Caswell fled. The deputy found the tan backpack containing merchandise and returned it to Walmart. A black hat that Caswell had been wearing was later found about 20 yards from where he had last been seen, confirming he had been the one attempting to steal the items.
The deputy continued searching for Caswell and spotted him walking along U.S. Hwy. 441. When questioned, Caswell denied being at Walmart that day. The deputy attempted to detain Caswell, but he turned and ran across the busy highway, narrowly avoiding several vehicles. The deputy chased Caswell for about 200 to 300 yards before he was found hiding in the bushes by a homeowner in a nearby residential area.
Caswell’s Admission
After being read his rights, Caswell admitted to stealing multiple items from Walmart. He explained that he came from Leesburg with the intention of stealing for money. Caswell also confessed he fled from law enforcement due to his fear of going back to jail, given his prior arrest history.
The total value of the stolen items was estimated at $266.96.
Previous Convictions
Dispatch records indicated that Caswell had at least two prior convictions for petit theft. He was arrested and charged with petit theft (third or subsequent offense) and resisting an officer without violence. Caswell was transported to the Marion County Jail, where his bond was set at $3,500.
Conclusion
Caswell’s arrest highlights a continued issue with theft at local businesses, as well as the risks involved in fleeing from law enforcement. His actions on U.S. Hwy. 441 posed a significant danger not only to himself but also to other drivers and pedestrians. Law enforcement agencies continue to address these types of incidents in the community.
