Lang
2/27/22
A Cedar Rapids man allegedly told Coralville Police he planned to exchange stolen merchandise for food after he as caught shoplifting Saturday night.
Security video from Scheels at the Coral Ridge Mall reportedly shows 34-year-old Thomas Perez of 15th Street SE grabbing two pair of shorts off the shelf just after 7:15pm, then walking to the customer service counter to ask for a bag. He then puts the items in the bag and heads for the exit.
On his way out, Perez allegedly grabbed a bag of popcorn and began eating it without paying, catching the attention of Scheels staff. Once stopped by loss prevention, Perez allegedly stated, “I was doing winter shopping and I forgot my wallet. I only had $2” Perez then reportedly claimed he was going to trade the stolen merchandise for food. The total value of the stolen items was $149.99.
Perez has previous theft convictions out of Linn County. He’s now charged with 3rd Degree Theft, an Aggravated Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of two years in jail.