Hunter
03/21/24
An area transient who has been arrested several times for theft and shoplifting was taken into custody again after allegedly stealing hundreds in groceries and merchandise from the Waterfront Drive HyVee.
Police say 31-year old Gregory Echols was at the store February 24th at around 10:30 and was observed by staff leaving the store with over $1500 worth of merchandise he did not pay for.
Security footage allegedly assisted authorities in identifying Echols as the man responsible for the theft. He’d been trespassed from the store back in 2022 and given a second warning in April last year.
An arrest warrant was issued last week, and Echols was taken into custody Monday. He faces a 2nd degree Theft charge as well as an additional Trespass charge. He could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted.
A check of court records shows Echols is charged with four additional counts of 3rd degree Theft from incidents on February 2nd, 9th and 26th. Those charges would add 8 years to his sentence if convicted on all counts.