Man caught on camera stealing donation jar meant for military members

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood asks for public's help in making arrest

DELTONA, Fla. – Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood wants to lock up a man who has been stealing donations intended for the military, he said Tuesday.

Chitwood has issued an alert to find the crook.

A recent incident took place at the 7-Eleven in Deltona. Many people in the area were upset to learn the news.

A 7-Eleven clerk said the store was full of customers when the thief made a bold move, grabbing the donation jar that clearly said it was meant to support the troops. 

"This is the true definition of a scumbag," Chitwood said. "That's why he's our scumbag of the week."

Surveillance video shows the man standing in front of the register, waiting for the right moment.

The video captured late last month shows the thief sliding the jar closer to himself, before he looks around and takes the cash.

"I think it's absolutely shameful," store clerk Anna Rennard said.

Rennard works at the 7-Eleven on Providence Boulevard and said it's hard to keep track of all the foot traffic, but she knows the jar of donations is often filled every day.

"Normally, they'll throw in some bills or they'll throw in their loose change. I believe it was three-quarters of the way full when he took it," Rennard said.

Deputies are looking for the orange Kia that the man took off in. Chitwood said it's only a matter of time before someone recognizes him. 

"We've exhausted all the leads we have and we're asking (for) help from the community to identify this scumbag, so we can lock him up (and) put him behind bars and let all his neighbors know what a piece of crap he is," Chitwood said.

The clerk said a new donation jar has been ordered and will be put back on the counter very soon.


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