A man accused of walking out of Walmart with a stolen car radio didn’t get far before deputies caught up with him.
What started as a shoplifting investigation quickly turned into a drug case after deputies stopped the getaway vehicle and discovered suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
Deputies were dispatched after Walmart Asset Protection reported a theft in progress.
While officers were en route, dispatch advised that the suspect had already left the store and climbed into a maroon SUV with West Virginia license plates.
Asset Protection provided a description of the suspect and advised that a car radio had been taken from the store without being paid for.
Deputies quickly located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
When officers approached, they immediately spotted a passenger matching the description provided by Walmart employees.
The man was identified as Jason Pease.
According to the report, deputies asked Pease where the stolen car radio was located.
His answer was simple.
“It’s in the back seat.”
Investigators recovered the car radio from the vehicle and placed Pease under arrest for theft.
During a search incident to arrest, deputies discovered a crack pipe in his pocket.
The investigation expanded from there.
After another deputy arrived, officers searched the vehicle and located a baggie containing a white rock-like substance on the passenger-side floorboard.
The substance later field-tested positive for crack cocaine, according to the report.
Investigators then returned to Walmart to review surveillance footage and speak with Asset Protection personnel.
According to Walmart staff, surveillance cameras captured Pease removing the car radio from a shelf and carrying it toward the customer service desk.
However, the service desk had already closed for the evening.
Rather than returning the merchandise or paying for it at a register, investigators say Pease headed toward the grocery-side exit and walked past all points of sale without purchasing the item.
Asset Protection personnel attempted to stop him, but he allegedly ignored their commands and continued out the door.
The incident occurred at the South Point Walmart.
According to the report, Pease admitted removing the anti-theft security webbing from the radio before leaving the store.
Asset Protection staff also advised deputies that Pease was allegedly connected to a previous theft investigation at another Walmart location in Huntington.
As a result, Walmart issued Pease a lifetime trespass notice, permanently banning him from the property.
Pease was transported to the Lawrence County Jail where the suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia were processed into evidence.
Why Theft Cases Often Lead to Other Charges
Law enforcement officers frequently discover additional crimes during theft investigations.
A routine shoplifting arrest can quickly expand if officers find illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, outstanding warrants, stolen property, or other evidence during a lawful search.
In this case, what began as the theft of a car radio ultimately resulted in both theft and drug-related charges after deputies stopped the suspect’s vehicle.
The case was closed by arrest.
