CPD arrests shoplifting suspect accused of stealing an air conditioner

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus police officers arrested a local man on a felony theft charge after he was accused of stealing an air conditioning unit from a store and later boarded a Columbus city bus with the stolen property.

Columbus police spokesman Lt. Matt Harris said at 4:25 p.m. Saturday, officers were sent to Walmart, 735 Whitfield Drive, in regards to a theft that had just occurred. Store security advised that a man, later identified as Cameron Sampson, 31, of Columbus, had taken an air conditioning unit from inside the store and was seen boarding a city bus with the stolen property. Harris said.

Officers located the bus a short time later near Indiana Avenue and Ross Street where they made contact with Sampson after he quickly exited the bus. Sampson was detained by officers and later placed under arrest after the officers located a large white box containing the stolen air conditioner on a bus seat.

Sampson was transported to the Bartholomew County Jail on a preliminary charge of Level 6 felony theft.