Florida Man Steals Entire Cash Register Drawer

A man accused of stealing a cash register from a Walmart^® in Florida was caught thanks to some clever “social media sleuthing.” On Dec. 10, 2023, John Wakefield walked into a Walmart in Palm Coast and allegedly snatched the entire cash drawer from a register. As he made his escape, he even shoved an employee who tried to stop him. Here’s how he accidentally helped the authorities find him.

On the Run

Surveillance footage clearly showed Wakefield holding the cash drawer and wearing a shirt that said, “Key West.” Witnesses to the theft reported that the suspect jumped into a gray Hyundai SUV, which was later found to be a rental car. Deputies quickly sprang into action, posting the surveillance photo on social media and asking the public for help in identifying the accused thief.

The Tell-Tale Shirt

Using facial recognition software, investigators were able to identify Wakefield as a 43-year-old man with a long criminal history. Once authorities knew who they were looking for, the chase intensified. Investigators tracked him all the way to North Carolina, but he eventually returned to central Florida. Authorities couldn’t pinpoint his exact location for an arrest, however, leaving them with a challenging case to crack.

Then the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Wakefield posted a photo on his social media profile where he was wearing the same red T-shirt and pants he had on during the alleged burglary. This helped investigators track him down to the Orlando area, leading to his arrest in Ocoee.

Thief Caught

When authorities located Wakefield at a plaza off Florida’s Turnpike, they discovered the same shirt and chain he wore in the photos inside his vehicle. Along with these items, they found methamphetamines, a ski mask, and a realistic-looking airsoft pellet gun. Authorities also learned Wakefield had just been released from prison after serving a nine-year sentence.

The alleged thief was charged with unarmed burglary of an occupied structure and grand theft from a building valued between $750 and $5,000. And Wakefield is facing serious trouble in not just one, but two counties. In Flagler County, he's wanted for robbery, while in Orange County, he's dealing with multiple charges, including possession of meth. Wakefield’s social media posts turned out to be his downfall, proving that sometimes, online activities can lead to unexpected consequences.

References: FL Man Steals Entire Cash Register From Walmart | Man Steals Cash Drawer From Walmart