Accused Shoplifter Faces Charge After Failing to Pay Back Store

An accused shoplifter given the chance to reimburse the store rather than face charges blew his chance at redemption.

Manuel Toppins, Jr., 21, of the 8000 block of South Troy, Chicago, was charged with retail theft, according to Evergreen Park police.

Toppins is accused of taking bottles of booze on three different occasions from Meijer, 9202 S. Western, police said. Meijer employees had detained Toppins and had given him the chance to pay back the store for the stolen items. When he failed to do so, Meijer pressed charges.

Police said Toppins took two bottles of Don Julio tequila on Aug. 21, another bottle of Don Julio and a bottle of Patron tequila on Aug. 27, and two bottles of Ciroc vodka on Sept. 10.

Evergreen Park officers were notified of the thefts on Sept. 11 and arrested Toppins on Oct. 28.