When was the last time that you forgot that you had merchandize under your shopping cart? I bet never. It was a conscious act of shoplifting should OP have left the premises of the store. They cut OP a break and did not charge him/her with shoplifting.

Quote Quoting Harold99
View Post
If this happened to me I'd be indignant and let them arrest me for shoplifting. What they'd learn is that they'd immediately back down once the cop told them the requirements of shoplifting, which this does not fit. But, the OP appeared scared so the they got emboldened and took advantage of him.
And you would likely have been convicted.