Police: Man Steals from Home Depot because he 'Needed the Money'

A 21-year-old Rochester man accused of stealing from last week told police he “needed money.”  

Home Deport security officers called the Utica police on Monday after they said they watched the man roll out merchandise that was not paid for, including flowers, wires and rolls of Romex.

Security tapes captured the man load the merchandise into his vehicle and drive away. Officers were able to spot the suspect’s vehicle nearby on Custor Street.

Officer’s found the merchandise, which was valued at $280 in the vehicle. The man told officers he stole the items because he needed the money, and that he was a recovering heroin addict.

Fresh track marks, consistent with heroin use, were noticed on the man’s arms, a police report states.

The man was arrested and faces charges of retail fraud theft, second-degree.