From Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — A Birmingham man charged in an alleged shoplifting incident at Walmart in Trussville had a 5-month-old child in his vehicle when the incident occurred, according to Trussville police.
TPD Lt. Clint Riner said 43-year-old Bernard Lyons of Birmingham was arrested and charged with fourth degree theft of property (shoplifting) on April 7, 2023. Lyons was transported to the Trussville City Jail at approximately 12:20 p.m. without incident where he was eligible to make bond.
Officers were responding to a theft call at Walmart when they were notified by dispatch that the suspect was running. They saw a male wearing clothing that fit the suspect’s description running away from the store near the back of the parking lot.
The officer pursued the suspect in his patrol vehicle before getting out and continuing the chase on foot. Lyons, in the meantime, changed directions and began running back toward the store. The officer said Lyons complied with his command to stop, was taken into custody and was cooperative during the arrest.
According to the report, Lyons said he was returning to turn himself in.
Officers said Lyons told them that there was a 5-month-old child in his vehicle. He described the vehicle and told officers where he parked. They were able to locate the child, notify the mother and waited for her to arrive and take custody of the child.
The incident began when Walmart officials said they observed Lyons enter the store with a Walmart bag in his hand. They watched Lyons take an item off the shelf, place it in the bag and go to customer service where he used an old receipt of an identical item to get a refund. The value of the item was $5.86.
The incident remains under investigation and additional charges could be filed.