Ran Away After Getting Caught Shoplifting at Grocery Store
I regret this soooo much, but here's what happened. I was at a Safeway and had filled a shopping cart with a lot of groceries. I bagged them with old bags and then proceeded to leave the store. While outside, I was approached by the manager and an employee to see a receipt. I then ran and was never seen leaving in my vehicle. There is a camera that had gotten me walking out as well. Since I left the cart of groceries with the employees, what is the possibility to be charged? Thanks!
Re: Caught shoplifting at grocery. Ran away and left the goods in the cart.
If they know who you are (there could be several ways) they do have the option to press charges if they so desire and/or issue a Civil Demand letter. Fr what are Odds better call Vegas for that
Re: Ran Away After Getting Caught Shoplifting at Grocery Store
Call Vegas?? What is that....a good answer?
Re: Ran Away After Getting Caught Shoplifting at Grocery Store
If you're sure no one saw you leave in your vehicle, then you may be okay. However, I found out that I was caught pocketing a small item into my jacket, even though I was not confronted when I left the store. I didn't see anyone as I left either, but apparently someone or somehow they got my license plate number and contacted police. They arrived after I had left and a case was opened up. The car I was driving was a recent purchase from my Dad, who got the car from a friend of his who knew someone that restored cars. The title hadn't been transferred, so the cops contacted the original owner. He told them that he sold the car to someone else and then quickly contacted my Dad's friend, who then called my Dad, then my Dad confronted me.
I knew the cops were going to find me, so I decided to turn return the merchandise to the store and admit what I did (because I felt "guilty" and without any knowledge that the police were on my trail). They informed me then, that since a case had been opened - it was now a city vs. me issue. I received a statement for $300 and quickly paid the civil demand, hoping that was the end of the issue.
About a month later, I received a call from the police. They wanted to ask questions and get my story of what happened. I explained that I felt "guilty" and that I paid $300, etc.
Seven months passed when I received a notice that I was being charged with Theft 3. I've hired an attorney and the case is still open. I was offered a pre-trial diversion agreement, but I may have an outside chance to work out else out. Since I returned the product on my own, paid fines, returned product and have no record of thefts or burglaries or fraud, etc. - my attorney is trying to work out a comprised misdemeanor with the victim directly and have the charges dropped on various conditions.
If I had not turned myself in, I don't believe I'd have these options available to me. Since it'd be difficult to return groceries, I'd just pray and hope for the best.