Walmart Theft Arrest: Man Stuffed Spark Plugs, Car Light Bulbs in Shirt, Deputies Say

A Palm Harbor man faces a felony theft charge after deputies say he tried to steal auto parts from a Clearwater Walmart by stuffing them in his shirt.

Michael Edward James, 32, is charged with felony petit theft in connection with the incident. James was charged with a felony because he has four prior convictions for theft in New Jersey, according to an arrest affidavit.

Deputies say James entered the Walmart at 23106 U.S. 19 around 6 p.m. on March 6 and took three spark plugs and three car light bulbs from shelves at the rear of the store and put the items down his shirt. James then walked toward the front of the store where he purchased a bottle of soda, but did not pay for the auto parts he had stuffed in his shirt, according to the affidavit.

A loss prevention officer stopped James before he walked out of the store. Deputies say James admitted to trying to steal the items, which were valued at $98.74.

He was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting a $2,500 bond.

Related-

• Woman Accused of Huffing Cans of Dust Remover in Walmart Bathroom
• Woman Charged with Stealing $900 in Goods from Walmart
•  

Subscribe to the Palm Harbor Patch newsletter to have local news delivered to your email each day. Sign up here.