(La Porte County, IN) - An alleged shoplifter caught with more than 50 store items was hauled away to the La Porte County Jail last night.

 

Tadd Oeker, 49, is being held on $600 bond on a Level 6 felony theft charge filed in La Porte Circuit Court.

 

According to court documents, the Valparaiso man grabbed a backpack for sale at Love’s Travel Stop along U.S. 421 just south of Michigan City.

 

He placed merchandise such as dog treats, lighters, medication and condoms inside the backpack with the price tag still attached to it and left the store without paying a dime. 

 

Police said quick responding officers located Oeker still on the property and recovered all of the stolen items valued at nearly $600 from his vehicle.