A Benton man was arrested and charged Christmas Eve in a suspected shoplifting case.
According to Benton Police Department, Walmart employees at the Benton Center called central dispatch Sunday, Dec. 24 to report that a shoplifting suspect had left the store and was at a vehicle in the parking lot. BPD officers reporting for security detail at the store observed the car leaving the lot and initiated a traffic stop on the northbound ramp of the Purchase Parkway.
Investigation revealed Allan M. Stewart of Benton had in April been issued a trespass notice from Walmart property; he was suspected of allegedly shoplifting merchandise on Sunday.
Stewart was arrested and charged on suspicion of shoplifting under $500 and third-degree criminal trespassing.
He was taken to Marshall County Detention Center.
Benton Police remind residents that all suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.