Man With Stolen Eggnog Hidden in Pants Accused of Punching Store Security

A Texas man was accused of attempting to steal a bottle of eggnog by placing it in his pants before he punched a store security guard.

Wichita Falls Police arrested Kevin Ellis, 38, on November 7 at a United Super Market after receiving reports of shoplifting at the store.

Wichita County Sheriff David Duke told Newsweek that the reported "shoplifting experience" was increased to felony robbery upon arrival.

Retail Theft

According to The National Retail Federation's 2022 Retail Security Survey, retail theft and fraud accounted for $95 billion in losses compared to $90 billion in 2021.

The survey also found that while 40 percent of thefts are committed by customers, employees account for about 30 percent of thefts.

Many popular supermarkets have announced changes due to the rising number of retail theft including Walmart and Target which shortened store hours and closed several locations.

Eggnog Robbery

A loss prevention officer at the supermarket reported seeing Ellis place two hair brushes in his pockets and a bottle of eggnog in his waistband, KFDX reported.

When the security officer confronted him, Ellis allegedly punched and physically pushed the officer before dropping the objects and leaving the officer with a bloody elbow and eye.

Authorities charged Ellis with violation of probation as well as felony robbery and failure to I.D. after pleading the Fifth Amendment.

After failing to identify himself, authorities were able to discover his identity based on previous charges.

KFDX reported that Ellis was placed on five-year probation in 2021 after he was accused of hitting his 4-year-old son which resulted in a bloody nose and bruising.

In January, prosecutors filed to revoke Ellis's probation after several violations. Ellis is currently at the Wichita County Jail.

Other Retail Thefts

In September, an Indiana Walmart employee was accused of stealing a possible $225,000 while working for the company. Security footage allegedly showed the woman taking money from the store to her car for two months.

A convenience store in Philadelphia also experienced theft and damages in September after it was ransacked by a group of 100 juveniles. Video taken inside the store showed dozens of people stealing items inside.

Back in August, a former police officer in Worcester, England, successfully stopped an attempted robbery by chasing the perpetrators out of the store.

CCTV footage from the night showed the former officer and owner of the store grab a bottle of vodka from the shelf before chasing the two masked men outside.