Drugs Discovered on Walmart Shoplifting Suspect

A Hagerstown man’s trip to the local Walmart resulted in theft and drug related charges and a holiday behind bars.

According to Freedom Township police, on Dec. 19, Chase T. Worthington, 31, of Hagerstown Md., was at the East Freedom Walmart when store security observed him opening merchandise and hiding items on his person.

According to police, Worthington was stopped by store personnel after passing through the last point of sale without paying for the items and was apprehended by store security. When police arrived at the store, they were told that store security had taken Worthington to the bathroom.

Concerned that Worthington may try to destroy evidence by flushing it down the toilet, police entered the bathroom and found Worthington in the handicap stall. When police ordered Worthington to exit the stall, Worthington allegedly attempted to hide behind his back a clear plastic bag containing a white powdery substance. Police said the bag contained a “substantial amount” of methamphetamine.

Police said that when they ordered Worthington to put his hands behind his back, he began “begging” the officer not to arrest him. Police said Worthington attempted to flee the bathroom, which prompted a struggle with police. After warning Worthington that he would be Tased if he continued to resist, police were able to take him into custody.

Police took Worthington to Walmart’s asset protection office and after a search of his person said they found “numerous” Walmart items including phone cases, wireless headphones, a jacket, cologne, and other items. Police initially valued the stolen items at approximately $138, but after finding more items in Worthington’s jacket, believed the total value of stolen items to increase by more than $200.

Police said the initial weight of the methamphetamine found on Worthington was 68 grams, calling it a “substantial amount.”

Police said Worthington also had an active warrant out of Frederick County, Md., for a probation violation, and has two prior retail theft arrests out of Pennsylvania as well as an arrest for possession with intent to distribute.

Worthington was arraigned by Tyrone Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller on felony charges of retail theft and possession with intent to deliver, along with misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest and was committed to the Blair County jail on $50,000 bond.

On Dec. 29, Worthington was brought before Martinsburg Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger for a preliminary hearing and waived all charges to Blair County court.