MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - A man is behind bars over $26 worth of stolen merchandise and trying to stab the store's security guard with a screwdriver.
Memphis police were called to the Kroger on Summer Avenue at Waring Road around 12:15 a.m. on April 30. An employee told officers he saw 50-year-old Cleaster Lawrence hide several hygiene products in his clothes and try to leave without paying. The employee notified a security guard, who went to detain Lawrence.
According to the police affidavit, Lawrence pulled out a screwdriver and lunged at the security guard and the employee, but was subdued before he could injure anyone. The items found on Lawrence were valued at $25.94, the document states.
Cleaster Lawrence is charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault and Theft of Property under $500. He is being held at the Shelby County Jail on $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court May 1.
