The incident took place on January 8. Among the items reported missing from the store, according to a police report, are a vehicle battery, paint, a bouquet of flowers, a trash can, a Roku TV and a Motokicks hoverboard.
The report noted that the alleged shoplifter used the “hover board to push the shopping cart through the store by standing on it and hovering while selecting items.”
Video surveillance footage from the 355 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Walmart, posted by the official Winter Haven police department’s Facebook page, does show the alleged perpetrator gliding throughout the store on a pair of Space Shoes, collecting items in a shopping cart, and then leaving though the front door with those items still in the cart—but allegedly without having paid for them beforehand.
The total net worth of the items stolen from the store are valued at $551.08.
“Stealing IS a crime and we want to get this guy and his shoes in custody,” the Facebook post says in part.
The police report notes that the suspect departed from the scene in a Nissan Maxima sedan of a late-90s make and model. The Maxima in question has “two different sets of aftermarket chrome wheels, and slight hood damage.”
The suspect also bears a distinguishing physical characteristic—a large tattoo on his forearm.
Still seeking to identify the wanted man, Winter Haven police note that they’re seeking anonymous tips in the case through their Heartland Crime Stoppers Tipline at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Alternately, callers may dial 1-863-401-2256 and ask for Detective Cobb.
According to Voyager, the company which makes Space Shoes, “the self-balancing technology makes learning to ride quick and easy” and “keeps the rider safe” while they learn how to use them. Voyager notes that the each skate moves independently of the other, that the skates can reach maximum speeds of 6.2 mph., and that they have the ability to take riders on journeys of approximately five miles in length before they need to be recharged. They retail for roughly $200 a pair.
This is the second time in six days a Winter Haven Walmart customer has allegedly made off with stolen goods.
According to a post on the Winter Haven Police Department’s Facebook page, they are in pursuit of a man who left the 7450 Cypress Gardens Boulevard Walmart after entering and exiting the store via its tire section with a shopping cart filled with unpaid merchandise on January 10.
Those with information in this case may call the Heartland Crime Stoppers Tipline, or make contact with Detective Ovalle by calling 1-863-401-2256.