MIAMI – A beer thief was arrested over the weekend after getting locked inside a convenience store by a clerk, authorities said.
The incident was reported shortly before 6 a.m. at the Valero gas station at 570 NW 79th St. in Miami.
According to an arrest report, Santos Gaiter, 33, who is homeless, entered the convenience store and took two 12-packs of beer that cost a total of $37.86.
Miami police said Gaiter returned to the store a short time later and tried to take another two 12-packs of beer, but the store clerk locked the doors and called police.
"He tried (the) left door, right door, left door, right door. He said, 'Oh God. You got me today. You got me today,'" the clerk, Arlynx Bruno, said.
An officer arrived at the scene and took Gaiter into custody.
Police said Gaiter complained of feeling ill and was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital to be evaluated.
He faces one count of petty theft.
According to the store clerk, Gaiter's beer of choice is Heineken and Corona.
He said Gaiter has come into the store 16 to 17 times this month to steal beer and sometimes brings friends with him.
Photos of all the suspected beer thieves who have targeted the Valero gas station line a wall inside the business. A similar gallery of pictures can be found at the Chevron gas station across the street.
