Florida Police Sniff For Clues In Stolen Sandwich Caper

LAKELAND, FL — A hungry thief concealed a foot-long sub in his pants and now the Polk County Sheriff's Office wants him to know they are hot on his trail.

"Some of you may think we're overdoing it by trying to identify the suspect of a relatively minor theft," the sheriff's office acknowledged on Facebook. "One of you is probably even saying, 'This is small potatoes!' And to that we would reply, 'No, this was a foot-long sandwich, not potatoes. Pay attention!"

The alleged sandwich caper took place around 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 25. The incident happened inside a Marathon gas station at 933 Pipkin Rd W.

"While inside the business, the suspect concealed a foot-long sandwich in the front of his pants," the sheriff's office alleged. "Too bad it wasn't a hot sandwich — that would have provided instant karma to the pilferer."

The alleged bandit purchased a soft drink and took off without paying for the foot-long sandwich in his pants.

"The suspect then fled on a bicycle in an unknown direction, perhaps in search for chips to steal," the sheriff's office added.

To report a tip, call Detective J. Leblanc at 863-577-1600 or 863-577-1614. Alternatively, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477).

Surveillance images courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office