On Christmas Eve, two men were detained in Chandler after attempting to shoplift approximately $2,000 in products from SCHEELS Sporting Products, claiming to be doing so to buy Christmas gifts for their boys. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the store’s loss prevention crew nabbed Michael Thompson and Joseph Gonzales, both 30, about 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to police documents, Thompson concealed products into a black duffle bag first seized from SCHEELS and later gave it to his kid. Officers discovered what Thompson alleged were illicit narcotics, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia. Gonzales, on the other hand, was captured carrying a rucksack containing stolen things, including three baseball bats, one of which was discovered tucked in his jeans. According to asset protection personnel and police findings, Gonzales also used methamphetamine, as evidenced by an oil burner containing drug residue.
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Both individuals are now facing charges of organized retail theft, with Gonzales being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Gonzales was arrested and sent to a nearby hospital after claiming to have consumed fentanyl. He was then placed into jail.
Gonzales stated in court filings that he intended “to steal the items for his son for Christmas.” He described how he only had $493 and, after going over his budget, decided to take the extra products incorrectly. According to Yahoo News, the items had a total worth of $1,811.13. The event occurred in the SCHEELS store at 3199 West Chandler Boulevard, as shown in reports.
