Shoplifting Suspect Pulls Box Cutter on Employee
July 18, 2017
Destin, FL – A Destin man suspected of shoplifting pulled a box cutter on employees who tried to stop him as was leaving the store, telling them he was “not going to jail.”
On July 17, 2017 deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to Best Buy in Destin, FL in reference to a suspect that was detained by store employees for retail theft.
Upon arrival, deputies were informed by store employees they had observed Kelly Patrick Hurley on store video surveillance removing several items from their containers using a box cutter and concealing them on his person. Once Hurley passed all sells counters without attempting to pay for the concealed merchandise, store employees confronted Hurley.
Hurley removed a set of headphones he had in his pockets and handed them to the employees. Hurley then attempted to push his way pass the employees in an attempt to leave the store. Employees stated a short struggle ensued and Hurley shoved one of the employees. Hurley further displayed a box cutter and told them he was not going to jail tonight.
An employee stated to deputies because he was shoved by Hurley and Hurley had brandished a box cutter, he feared for his life and took Hurley to the ground to protect himself. Hurley was detained by the employees until deputies arrived.
When Hurley was searched by deputies, he had a box cutter, pliers, bluetooth speaker and a portable charging device.
A second person who was a lookout for Hurley was also arrested by deputies.
According to an arrest report, Jennifer Erin Gilbert was also seen on video surveillance with Hurley while he selected merchandise, opened the packaging with a box cutter and concealed the merchandise on his person. The video surveillance further showed Gilbert acting as a look-out and blocking Hurley from the view of nearby employees.
Gilbert, who left the store while store employees were detaining Hurley, was later detained by deputies in the parking lot.
During a post Miranda interview, Gilbert admitted Hurley was talking tabout stealing from Best Buy in the days and hours leading up to the incident. Gilbert knowingly went to Best Buy with Hurley knowing he intended on stealing merchandise from the business.
36-year old Hurley has been charged with aggravated assault, larceny (third or more offense), and use of an anti-shoplifting control device. 30-year old Jennifer Gilbert of Mary Esther, is charged with retail theft.