On Christmas Eve, two men were apprehended in Chandler after attempting to shoplift nearly $2,000 worth of goods from SCHEELS Sporting Goods, in what they claim was an effort to provide Christmas gifts for their sons. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Michael Thompson and Joseph Gonzales, both 30, were detained by the store’s loss prevention team around 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
Documents seen by police indicate Thompson hid merchandise within a black duffle bag—originally taken from SCHEELS—to later give to his son. Search by officers turned up what Thompson reportedly claimed to be illicit substances, believed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia. Gonzales, on the other hand, was caught with a backpack concealing stolen items, including three baseball bats—one of which was found hidden in his pants. Reports by asset protection staff and police discovery suggest Gonzales also partook in methamphetamine use, supported by evidence such as an oil burner with residue consistent with the drug.
Both individuals are now facing charges of organized retail theft, with Gonzales facing an additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Following his arrest, Gonzales was immediately taken to a local hospital upon claiming to have consumed fentanyl and later on was booked into jail…