An Ottumwa man is facing a theft charge following an incident at Walmart.
According to court records, officers with the Ottumwa Police Department were dispatched to Walmart on Venture Drive at approximately 9:48 p.m. on June 21 in response to a reported theft.
Authorities allege that 25-year-old Gage Parks was using a self-checkout register when he placed a bottle of Hawkeye Vodka into a bag without scanning or paying for the item. Court documents state Parks then passed the final point of sale while still in possession of the unpaid merchandise.
The stolen item was valued at less than $300. Investigators determined Parks did not have the right, privilege, or permission to take the merchandise.
Parks was arrested and transported to the Wapello County Jail before later being released on bond. He is charged with Third-Degree Theft, an aggravated misdemeanor.
An initial court appearance was scheduled for June 23.
Source: Wapello County Court Records and Criminal Complaint.
