A Chicago man who allegedly tried to walk out of Macy’s flagship store in the Loop with more than $1,200 worth of merchandise, including a beer, now faces a felony retail theft charge.
According to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Community Safety Team officers were called to the store, 111 North State Street, at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday after store security reported a theft in progress. Investigators said security video showed a man taking jewelry, gift sets, a comforter, and a can of beer from a cooler before attempting to leave the store without paying.
Loss prevention employees tried to detain the man, but he refused to comply. Sheriff’s officers arrived, stepped in, and took the man to the ground after he continued to resist, according to the sheriff’s office.
The agency identified the man as Jeffery Lowery, 33. He has been released pending trial on a charge of felony retail theft and misdemeanor resisting.
The case quickly picked up steam on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, where commenters unleashed a variety of insights:
“This dude is going to Macy’s?? He looks more like Kmart blue light special kinda guy,” David Barger wrote.
“He was going to his car to get his wallet. Give that good man a chance!” Michael Michaels pleaded.
But Joanne Jones Demmin voiced what many readers appeared to be thinking: “Wait, they sell beer at Macys?”
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