CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Authorities are searching for a man who attempted to steal a cart full of merchandise from Walmart on River Trace in Chillicothe, before fleeing on foot into a wooded area late Thursday night.
According to a report from the Chillicothe Police Department, officers were dispatched to the store around 10 PM on February 6 in response to a shoplifting incident. A loss prevention employee told police he observed an unidentified white male, approximately 39 to 40 years old, attempting to exit the store without paying for items, including food and meat. The suspect was described as wearing a red coat, camouflage pants, a black hat, and a dark mask covering everything except his eyes.
The suspect pushed his cart toward the GM doors but was stopped when he discovered they were locked for the night. Witnesses say he attempted to bust the doors open. When confronted, the suspect reportedly abandoned the cart and ran through the front of the store, exiting via the grocery side doors before escaping into a wooded area near the east side of the building.
Police searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. Authorities plan to review surveillance footage and collect additional evidence as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chillicothe Police Department.