WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A West Palm Beach man, Michael Merritt Tobias, was arrested on suspicion of petit theft involving merchandise, authorities said.
The arrest is documented under Report No. 118140, filed by the West Palm Beach Police Department and published online at 6:19 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2026.
Police report that Tobias, a White male, has two or more prior convictions, a factor that may increase the severity of the charge under Florida law. Additional details about the alleged theft, including the location, value of the merchandise, or whether it occurred at a retail or transit location, were not released.
No information regarding Tobias’s date of birth, bond status, or court appearance was provided.
Authorities emphasized that an arrest is an allegation, not proof of guilt. Tobias is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Boca Raton Tribune will continue to follow the case and report updates as they are released by law enforcement or through court records.
