Firefighter Allegedly Steals Pokemon Cards At Walmart

HAINES CITY, FL — A Polk County firefighter allegedly stole $165 worth of Pokemon cards at a local Walmart, according to the Haines City Police Department.

Joel Strickland, 30, was arrested for stealing the cards at Walmart, 36205 U.S. Highway 27, on Thursday night, according to authorities.

A loss prevention officers witnessed Strickland changing the barcodes on the cards before 6:30 p.m., investigators said.

Staff told police that they saw the suspect place the less expensive barcodes over the more expensive bar codes, detectives said.

According to officers, Strickland told authorities during an interview that he planned to "flip" the cards to make extra money because he was struggling financially.

Strickland faces charges of petit theft, police said.

"Help is a phone call away," Chief Jim Elensky said. "If you are struggling, there are a myriad of resources available. As public safety employees, we are expected to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the respect our communities show us."

Srickland resigned from the Polk County Fire Department prior to termination, Chris Jonckheer, Polk County public information officer, told Patch in an email.