A thirsty thief was caught after another beer run in Wildwood.
An officer responded to Save A Lot, located at 360 Shopping Center Dr., regarding a theft around 10:40 a.m. Monday, according to an arrest report from the Wildwood Police Department. The suspect, later identified as 70-year-old Bill Howard Dye, was last seen walking east on Huey Street.
The officer spotted Dye about 250 yards from the store and asked him if that was where he came from. He admitted he came from Save A Lot but stated he gave back a stolen beer. The officer then asked him to put his hands above his head so he could pat him down for weapons, the report said.
Dye became very angry, saying, “I ain’t got no weapons.” He refused to listen to the officer who told him to put his hands behind his back. The officer grabbed his left wrist, but he pulled away and refused to put his hands behind his back, the report said.
At that point, another officer helped the first officer press Dye against the patrol vehicle. They forcefully put him in handcuffs, after which a pat down revealed two 16-ounce Natural Ice beers and a bit of cash in his pockets. One officer stayed with him while another spoke to the manager of Save A Lot, the report said.
The manager advised that he approached Dye because he saw him take the $6.02 in beer from a four pack and put them in his pockets. He proceeded to leave the store, so the manager went to get the beer. Dye balled his fist up and lifted his arms as if he was going to punch the manager, so the manager backed away and called the police, the report said.
This is the second time a beer run has landed Dye in jail. Last year, Dye was arrested after stealing beer from a cooler at Dollar General.
As a result of Monday’s arrest, Dye is facing charges of petit theft (third or subsequent offense), simple assault (intent to do violence) and obstruction without violence. He was transported to the Sumter County Detention Center with bond set at $7,000.