A 48-year-old Middlefield man is facing a shoplifting charge after he walked out of a clothing store wearing $100 hiking boots, then told security that although he has a long arrest record, he was simply looking for his friend.
On Jan. 1 at 3:56 p.m., Matthew Flynn, 48, of East Lake Drive, Middlefield, was at Bob's Stores on East Main Street with another man and, the report says, seen on store surveillance go to the shoe department and Flynn put on a pair of Hi-Tech boots worth $99.99.
The report says he put his old sneakers into the box and walked out without paying. Flynn told police he was not trying to steal the shoes, rather, he put them on then tried to find his friend. "I know it looks bad because I have an extensive criminal history," the report says he said, "for a bunch of larcenies and robberies."
Flynn had 18 prior arrests, police say, most of which were sixth-degree larceny and one robbery. He was charged that day for sixth-degree larceny.
Police: Middlefield Man With Lengthy Criminal Record Arrested in Meriden