Man Freed Despite Lengthy Cheltenham Criminal Record: PD

CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — A man with a lengthy criminal history is free after a judge turned down a request by authorities for cash bail.

Cheltenham Police said that Zakee Laroda, who was arrested for a recent retail theft, has a criminal history that includes multiple previous cases of Retail Theft, Aggravated Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Possession With Intent to Deliver Narcotics.

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Police responded on Monday to the Target Store at 2450 Shoppers Lane, in the Wyncote section of Cheltenham Township, for a report of a retail theft in-progress.

Police said Laroda, fled on foot and then violently resisted arrest, necessitating the use of a taser to take him into custody. He allegedly stole $1,547 worth of Red Bull.

Laroda was charged with Felony Retail Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, and Resisting Arrest.

Despite a recommendation by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office for $15,000 cash bail due to Laroda's criminal history and the circumstances surrounding this case, Magisterial District Judge Suzan Leonard assigned Laroda unsecured bail, police said.

Laroda was then promptly released from custody without having to post any money, police said. A preliminary hearing date is pending.