In a turn of events that he probably didn’t expect, 18-year-old Zachary Coolidge was arrested on November 2nd after attempting to steal nearly $1,000 worth of THC products and vape pens from the Seven Star Store on Old Highway 37. Coolidge, who had just celebrated his 18th birthday on October 31st, decided to kick off adulthood with a crime spree, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“On October 31st, our suspect turned 18 years old. On November 1st, he went out and tried to steal THC products worth nearly a thousand dollars from a local store. Fortunately, a store employee and a bystander decided they weren’t going to just let the birthday boy commit his crime freely.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Wearing a mask and socks over his hands, Coolidge strolled into the Seven Star Store, casually made his way behind the counter, and began loading up on THC items and vape pens. His attempt at a disguise didn’t fool anyone, though – he was instantly recognized as a regular customer.
As captured on security footage, a store employee confronted Coolidge, managing to grab most of the stolen goods from his hands. Not ready to give up, Coolidge tried to make a break for it, only to be intercepted by a bystander near the exit. A brief scuffle ensued, and Coolidge eventually bolted outside, with the bystander on his heels. In a scene straight out of an action movie, the bystander tackled him in the parking lot, but Coolidge managed to wriggle free and escape.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office didn’t let him get far, though. The next day, a detective tracked down Coolidge and took him into custody. He now faces charges for burglary of an occupied business, grand theft, wearing a mask during the commission of a crime, resisting arrest, and violating his probation for previous drug possession.
When questioned, Coolidge admitted, “It was impulsive and dumb for doing all this for some weed.”