Suspected Shoplifter Arrested for Falsely Identifying as a Cop
For Immediate Release -11/21/2022
Do not Say You Are a Cop When You Shoplift
On 11/20/22 Loss Prevention Officer at the New Caney Walmart had a shoplifter detained, stating that he was a “cop”. A Pct. 4 Constable’s Office Sergeant, working the SafeShopper program responded to investigate.
The Loss Prevention Officer stated the suspect, identified as Alan Benitez, 30 years of age from Conroe, TX, was “skip-scanning” at one of the self-checkout lanes, then attempted to leave the store without paying for some of the items. “Skip-scanning” is when a customer deliberately decides not to scan an item but still puts it in their checkout bag. The Loss Prevention Officer noted when they stopped Benitez, he said, “It’s ok, I’m a cop” and showed a badge”. Benitez still complied and went into the Loss Prevention Office without an incident.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office accepted the class B misdemeanor charge of False ID as a Police Officer. Benitez was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and received bail for $500 and a citation for Theft.
The SafeShopper program is funded by the East Montgomery County Improvement District, allowing deputies to work overtime, patrolling the commercial shopping areas in and around East Montgomery County.
