As the holiday season rolls around, it brings with it not just cheer and festivity but also some unusual tales of shoplifting that could rival any Christmas movie plot. This week, we delve into three peculiar incidents that occurred during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. From a dramatic standoff in Florida over stolen cigarettes to a Cinderella-esque shoe mystery in Oregon, and a brazen theft attempt during a ‘Shop with a Cop’ event in Michigan, these stories showcase the bizarre and audacious lengths to which some individuals go, turning the season of giving into a season of taking.
Pack of smokes goes up in smoke
In Deltona, Florida, a dramatic incident unfolded when Dempsey Hadley engaged in a four-hour standoff with the police, which began over stolen cigarettes. The situation escalated rapidly after Hadley, fleeing from a Wawa convenience store where the theft occurred, shot a deputy and set his house on fire.
The police initially pursued Hadley following a report of cigarette theft and his suspected possession of a knife. The pursuit ended at Hadley’s home, where he shot at deputies, causing a non-fatal injury to one. The standoff saw Hadley barricading himself inside his house, which he eventually set ablaze.
Hadley has been apprehended and sustained injuries due to a police dog bite after he didn’t remove his hands from his pockets while on the ground. At the time of his arrival at the house, his family was there, and his 21-year-old son informed the authorities about Hadley’s significantly unstable behavior over the previous six months. The family attempted to conceal some ammunition in the house during the situation, but the ammunition they couldn’t find and secure contributed to intensifying the fire.
Looking for a Prince Charming who fits these shoes
In a quirky turn of events reminiscent of a fairy tale, the Sandy Police Department in Oregon is on the lookout for a shoplifter who left behind his unique shoes. The suspect, humorously referred to as ‘Prince Charming‘ by the police, abandoned his pink and red Nike Air Force 1 sneakers after committing a ‘beer run’ – a slang term for shoplifting beer from a store.
The mismatched shoelaces on the sneakers, one red and one white, added to the peculiar nature of the case. The incident’s specifics, including the exact time and location within Sandy, remain unclear.
The mismatched shoelaces on the sneakers, one red and one white, added to the peculiar nature of the case. The incident’s specifics, including the exact time and location within Sandy, remain unclear. Sandy, located near Portland, is the western gateway to the Mount Hood corridor. Oregon law categorizes theft based on the value and type of stolen property, allowing for both criminal and civil penalties for shoplifting.
Shop with a cop doesn’t mean shoplifting with a cop
In an ironic twist, a 62-year-old woman from Haslett was caught shoplifting at a Walmart in Genoa Township, Michigan, during a ‘Shop with a Cop‘ event. The event, aimed at fostering positive interactions between children and police officers, involved 75 officers accompanying children for Christmas shopping.
Unaware or undeterred by the heavy police presence, the woman attempted to steal merchandise worth over $727. Her shoplifting was noticed by Walmart staff, who alerted a trooper. The suspect was apprehended in the parking lot, ironically parked right next to the police vehicles.
She was arrested and taken to Livingston County Jail, though specific charges were not immediately disclosed. Genoa Township is situated northwest of Detroit. The incident highlighted the audacity of some shoplifters, even in the presence of law enforcement.
