Holmes Beach police arrested Bradenton resident Lawrence Beach, 62, Sept. 2 on a third-degree felony charge for alleged petit theft after two or more prior convictions for theft.
Two officers responded to the 100 block of 39th Street, where a Publix manager had followed a shoplifter and was watching the man grill food at the Manatee Public Beach he had allegedly stolen.
The officers spoke with the man, Beach, who denied stealing from the store.
However, security footage showed Beach take several items — valued at $77.94 — and leave the store without paying.
A record search showed Beach had two prior convictions in Florida for theft.
He was arrested and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody under a $2,500 bond as of Sept. 6.
If convicted, punishments for a third-degree felony charge includes up to five years in prison, five years of probation and a fine of up to $5,000.
An arraignment had not been scheduled as of Sept. 5.
— Ryan Paice
