A man identified as John Publix in arrest and court documents was detained after stealing from a Publix in Hollywood and then charged with felony violence against a law enforcement officer, according to police.
The 26-year-old Publix employee was dressed in a “black and pink dress” with a black wrap around his face and a mask when he shoplifted from the 94-year-old chain’s 1740 Polk St. location just after noon Tuesday, according to a police report.
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Police claimed Publix grabbed a green Publix bag and went out of the store with “Sweetest Batch blue bananas, Icelandic Glacial (water), Coke Zero, frappuccino vanilla (coffee), and fried breaded shrimp,” totaling $25.27.
According to the arrest report, investigators subsequently caught up with Publix, who had already removed the clothing and mask, in the 1900 block of Van Buren Street.
“The arrestee was detained wearing only black tight pants, no shirt, and gray socks,” said Hollywood police officer Jerry Sommer” “The arrestee had a black mask and black gloves in his crotch area.”
Sommer claimed Publix “slipped my hand several times” as he attempted to move Publix’s handcuffs up front while in the Fort Lauderdale jail.
According to police, Publix identified himself as “John Doe.” “Doe” was later crossed out of the arrest paperwork and replace with “Publix.” In Broward court and jail documents, his name is recorded as John Publix.
It is unclear whether the suspect’s real name is John Publix or another alias. Local 10 News has called the Hollywood Police Department to obtain clarity.
As of Friday, Publix remained in jail on a $3,000 bond on allegations of petit theft, resisting without violence, and battery on a police officer.
