Authorities: Fla. man steals beer from store, then demands to drink it before arrest

Officials: Man demands to drink beer before arrest

BAYOU GEORGE, Fla. — Authorities in the Florida Panhandle say they arrested a convenience store shoplifter who demanded to drink the 12-ounce beer he had stolen before being taken into custody.

The Bay County Sheriff’s office says the man told the deputy he had recently lost his job of 13 years and wanted to drink beer. The man became combative when the deputy wouldn’t let him finish it.

George R. Linthicum II was charged Wednesday with shoplifting, battery, possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams and smuggling contraband into a detention facility.

Bay County Jail officials said Thursday that Linthicum II was in jail and did not yet have an attorney.

Information from: The News Herald, www.newsherald.com/