Crime & Safety

Man Skedaddles After Stuffing Fishing Gear Down Shirt, Cops Say

Chicago man faces felony retail theft charges after police said he stole 50 items of fishing gear from a sporting goods store.

A Chicago man absconded with 50 items of fishing gear from a sporting goods store, reports said.

Oak Lawn police responded to a call of a “suspicious subject” at Sports Authority, 9633 S. Cicero Ave. around 12:46 p.m. Dec. 12. Officers spoke to an employee who said he recognized a man from a previous retail theft and the he was not supposed to be in the store.

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Police said the employee pointed out the man, identified as David F. Pinc, 56, standing in checkout line. The employee said Pinc seemed nervous and would not face him when approached in the fishing department, reports said.

After Pinc finished paying for one item in the checkout line, police said he left the store where the officer was waiting. Pinc was taken into custody for criminal trespassing and searched.

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Police said they could feel several large items around Pinc’s midsection under his large coat. He was escorted back into Sports Authority where 50 items, all fishing gear, were found stuffed inside his shirt totaling $466.30, reports said.

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Pinc was taken to the Oak Lawn police station, where he allegedly told police that he didn’t go into the store with the intention to steal. Police said he refused to say anything more the incident.

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s office approved felony charges for retail theft. Pinc is currently being held in the county jail on $200,000 bail. His next court appearance is Jan. 28.


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