Florida Cop Arrested After Using Walmart Self-Checkout Multiple Times to Steal Items: Police

A police officer in Florida was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly stole from Walmart multiple times using the self-checkout, according to authorities.

David Griffin was charged with was charged with five counts of retail petit theft, according to a news release from Polk County Sheriff's Office. He resigned from his position with Haines City Police Department following his arrest.

A Walmart employee noticed Griffin placing items in a bag without scanning them at the self-checkout, the sheriff's office said. The employee approached Griffin and pointed out the unscanned items. Griffin allegedly continued to put unscanned items in the bag after the employee left.

Griffin was accompanied by Shelbi Dubose, who was also arrested and charged with four counts of retail petit theft. The pair scanned and paid for $207.72 worth of store merchandise, but attempted to leave with $343.22 worth of unscanned merchandise, the sheriff's office said.

Walmart staff found that Griffin committed four similar thefts on Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 10 and Nov. 26 by checking his debit card usage at the store and security footage. Dubose participated in three of those incidents.

“It is always disappointing to me when someone in law enforcement commits a crime and betrays the trust of their community," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "Haines City is a wonderful city and they have a top notch professional police department. We will absolutely hold Griffin accountable for his actions. The only thing he did right was immediately resign upon his arrest.” 

Haines City Police Chief Greg Goreck said the arrest was "deeply troubling."

"His behavior is not representative of the dedicated men and women who serve our community with honor and commitment every day," Goreck said. "Let it be known, had Officer Griffin not resigned, his removal from duty would have been swift and decisive. We have zero tolerance for such actions and are committed to maintaining public trust through accountability and transparency."

Griffin joined the Haines City Police Department in June 2019, public information officer Zachary Hamelton told The Ledger.