Community rallies for dad who stole diapers, prompting charges to be dropped

• When a man was caught on video taking diapers and baby wipes from Walmart after his card was declined, the community rallied in his favor.
• Police initially stated that Walmart had a zero-tolerance policy for theft.
• But after thousands offered to pay for the items to avoid getting the man charged, Walmart signed a waiver of prosecution and charges will no longer be filed.

A man was caught on video stealing diapers and baby wipes from the Winter Haven Walmart after his card was declined several times.

The Winter Haven Police Department shared the details on Facebook and initially stated that Walmart has a zero-tolerance policy for theft. They then listed details about the man that would aid his arrest.

The man had two children with him when he went to the self-checkout lanes to buy diapers and baby wipes. But his card was declined several times. He was then seen walking out of the store without the items.

He then returned, this time without the children and with a different card. But when this card was declined, he decided to just take the items without paying.

The police department’s Facebook post quickly gained nationwide attention, with most commenters relaying their sympathies towards the man who was clearly desperate to get diapers for his kids. Thousands even offered to pay for the stolen items.

The department received several calls from people who offered to pay so that the charges will be dropped.

The police soon declared that the man will not be facing charges and that Walmart has signed a waiver of prosecution.

Officers have since reached out to the man to deliver the good news.

“We also told him of numerous resources available to include the Police Department. We offered assistance and he declined assistance,” the department wrote on Facebook. “Thank you to all of the caring citizens offering help.”

Check this link for a list of resources for anyone who has a baby and is in need of financial assistance. Other resources include the National Diaper Bank and the Central Florida Diaper Bank.

Source: ABC Action News