In a strange and disturbing episode, the 70-year-old Florida man was arrested for urinating on a huge lot of canned meat items at a Sam’s Club store, resulting in damages of more than Rs. 9 lakh ($10,500). The incident took place at a branch of the store in Lady Lake, which is a town near Orlando.
As per a New York Post report, the suspect, Patrick Francis Mitchell, was obviously visible on surveillance camera footage committing the act in aisle 18. The video revealed Mitchell heading towards a pile of Vienna sausages and Spam cans, standing in front of the display, putting hands below his waist, and remaining motionless for a few seconds.
“Behavior consistent with urination,” noted Marion County Detective Ronnie Williams in his formal report, adding the video left little question as to what had happened.
Massive Product Loss
The store lost 345 packages of Spam Classic and 188 packages of Vienna sausages, representing a huge loss of over $10,500 because of the contamination. The wholesale retailer considered affected items unsellable, and this brought a huge financial loss.
What made the event more bizarre was the relaxed attitude of Mitchell after the act. Rather than escaping quickly, he walked to the snack area and after some time was spotted relaxing on patio furniture showcased for a period of about ten minutes. He then returned some merchandise, paid as if nothing happened, and left the store.
Arrest and Legal Action
Mitchell was subsequently arrested by police at his residence in the Village of Piedmont, a retirement village dubbed “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown.” He and his wife occupy the home.
He faces charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. As the damage was over $1,000, the criminal mischief charge is a felony according to Florida law. Mitchell has been said to have entered a plea of not guilty and has been released since on a $3,000 bond.
