A man has been arrested in connection with a theft scheme involving the use of a ring embedded with a barcode for soup to steal expensive items from a Walmart in Caldwell, according to a statement by the Caldwell Police Department.
Derrick Smith, 32, reportedly used the ring to scan a barcode for tomato soup instead of the barcodes for high-value items, significantly reducing the price he paid. The incident was reported on Sunday evening when officers were dispatched to a theft in progress at the local Walmart. Before police arrived, Smith had left the store and was traveling west on Cleveland Boulevard, police said.
Authorities detained Smith at his home, where they recovered stolen merchandise, including a $300 grill. During questioning, Smith confessed to multiple thefts at the Walmart over an unspecified period.
Smith has been charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor petit theft, according to online booking records from Canyon County. It was not immediately clear if he had obtained legal representation.
As of Thursday, Smith remains in custody at the Canyon County Jail.
