Man Arrested For Bizarre Shoplifting Incident at Florida Convenience Store

Windermere, FL - A bizarre shoplifting incident at a Polk County convenience store has landed a Windermere man in jail.

According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Anton Aftonov Karamfilov was caught on surveillance video entering a Love's truck stop on [date].

The video shows Karamfilov pausing to look at a sign depicting a sheriff's patrol car with the message "Free ride if you shoplift from this store." Judd called the act "baffling" and noted, "Thankfully, the only free ride Mr. Karamfilov received was to the Polk County Jail."

Sheriff Judd further stated that Karamfilov proceeded to select beef jerky and pistachio nuts before attempting to leave the store without paying.

When confronted by employees, Karamfilov fled to a waiting Lowe's box truck.

"It appears Mr. Karamfilov may have misunderstood the message on our sign," Judd remarked. "Shoplifting is a crime, and Lowe's likely wouldn't have appreciated him driving their truck without authorization either."

Karamfilov was apprehended and charged with first-degree petit theft.

Love's recovered the stolen snacks.

The sheriff's office is investigating the possibility of additional charges related to the Lowe's box truck.

"This case serves as a reminder that stealing is a crime, and ignoring clear warnings can have unfortunate consequences," Judd concluded.