Shoplifting Fail Sends Michigan Man From Meijer to Marsh

We all know that stealing is wrong, but that doesn't stop people from making bad choices. And one man's recent attempt to shoplift from a West Michigan Meijer location ended with him in a mucky situation.

In a quirky turn of events, the Walker police found themselves on a mission that started with a routine theft at the Meijer store on Lake Michigan Drive and Wilson Avenue.

Picture this: It's 6:15 p.m. on a Thursday evening, and our diligent officers responded to reports of a man making a quick getaway after swiping "numerous items" from the Meijer location. After he ran out, officers diligently searched the area, but the suspect proved to be elusive, slipping through their fingers.

Fast forward three hours, when a resident living near Meijer dropped a rather unusual tip. She informed the police that she could hear a man yelling for help in a "marshy area" close to her home. So naturally, they went to investigate.

The plot thickens as our officers, not ones to shy away from the unexpected, venture into the marshlands armed with flashlights and curiosity. Could this be the same suspect seeking refuge in the swampy wilderness, or is it an entirely different twist to the tale?

A Michigan State Police helicopter was able to spot the suspect, who was stuck in the marsh like the caller described. That's when he was identified as the suspect who had reportedly stole items from Meijer earlier. Not sure if he had his stolen goods on him, but I can't imagine this is how he wanted it to go.

The 31-year-old from Middleville was taken into custody for stealing merchandise worth over $2,700. He was taken to the hospital for cold exposure, and maybe next time he'll plan out a better escape route if he's going to be terrible enough to steal.