SUMMERFIELD, Fla. — A homeless man, Richard Allen Roberts, 63, was arrested Thursday after being caught stealing nearly $750 worth of tools, food, and an air conditioning unit from the Walmart on S U.S. Hwy. 441, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
A deputy was called to Walmart at 4:35 p.m. after loss prevention detained Roberts. The store associate reported observing Roberts selecting numerous tools and other items in a suspicious manner before placing a food item in his pocket and attempting to leave through the garden area without paying.
Roberts cooperated with store staff and law enforcement. When questioned, he admitted to being homeless and staying with a friend while struggling financially. He acknowledged the theft was wrong.
The total stolen merchandise was valued at $747.09. Records show Roberts has a prior theft arrest in Wildwood.
Roberts was charged with petit theft as a third or subsequent offense and was taken to Marion County Jail with bond set at $2,500.
