Lang
7/24/21
A transient accused of walking into Walmart barefoot to steal sandals was arrested again earlier this week after police say he shoplifted from an Iowa City convenience store, then passed out in a field while attempting to flee.
Iowa City Police were called to North Dodge Express just after noon on July 16th for a subject stealing from the store. Arriving officers found 30-year-old Benjamin Massey asleep in a nearby field. Investigators say he showed signs of intoxication, and his blood alcohol content was measured at .159%.
Massey was arrested and charged with Public Intoxication. He pleaded guilty and was given credit for time served.
On July 10th a barefoot Massey was dropped off by a bus at the Iowa City Walmart, went inside, and took a pair of sandals off the shelf and put them on his feet. He also allegedly took a pair of hair clippers and accompanying accessories out of the box and stuffed them in his pockets before walking out of the store without paying for any of the items. Two days later Massey allegedly returned to the store, took a bottle of sweet tea off the shelf and drank it. He then went to the alcohol section and began drinking from a bottle of strawberry tequila. Massey later told police he wanted to get drunk before lifting weights.
Massey was charged with two counts of 3rd Degree Theft. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of four years in prison.