OKEECHOBEE — While she was cleaning the restaurant after closing, an employee’s book bag was stolen. On Wednesday, May 12, Okeechobee City Police Officer Jessica Francis was dispatched to Popeye’s in reference to the theft. When she arrived, she spoke to the employee, who told her she and some other employees were cleaning the restaurant, and she put her bag up on the counter to keep it from getting wet while they mopped the floor. While they were cleaning, one of the employees went outside and forgot to lock the door when he came back in. A frequent customer, known to the employees as Ron, came in while the door was unlocked but was told the store was closed and he had to leave. The employees said Ron got angry but did leave. A short time later, the employee realized her bag was missing.

Ron, later identified as 51-year-old Ronald Thompson, Northeast 15th Avenue, was arrested after the district manager of the restaurant sent still shots from the video surveillance to the police department. According to Francis’ report, the photos showed Thompson inside the store and taking the bag on his way out.

A charge was made on one of the victim’s credit cards at Papa John’s before she was able to cancel it. The cashier reportedly told Francis that Ron attempted to use several cards before one finally went through. The total estimated value of the items stolen was $989.

Thompson was charged with grand theft and credit card fraud. Bond was set at $3,000.