Menomonee Falls Man Caught Shoplifting $1,200 in Tools With Toddler

WEST ALLIS -- A 34-year-old Menomonee Falls man faces retail theft charges after he was reportedly caught trying to walk away with a workshop's worth of tools in his shopping cart.

Christopher Loeber has been charged with one count of felony retail theft and faces maximums of 18 months behind bars or up to $10,000 in fines, or both, if he is convicted.

According to Loeber's criminal complaint, police responded to the Home Depot in West Allis on Sept. 18 on a report of a male in custody for retail theft.

Upon arrival, police identified the man as Christopher Loeber, who was with his 19-month-old child, the complaint said.

According to the complaint, Loeber was observed by store security selecting various high-value tools and power tools and placing them in his shopping cart. The Loss Prevention Officer observed Loeber trying to find the easiest way to walk out of the store without paying.

The complaint stated that Loeber's cart contained: items: a 126 piece universal set, valued at $199.00; a Dewalt 20v drill/impact kit, valued at $169.00; a Dewalt 20v drill/impact combo, valued at $279.00; a Finish nailer, valued at $179.00; a Cordless gyroscopic screwdriver, valued at $69.00; a two 100-piece ratchet wrench sets, valued at $39.97 each; a Dewalt lithium ion battery, valued at $99.00; two finishing nail packages, valued at $18.97 each; an angle grinder, valued at $79.00; and a Dewalt organizer, valued at $19.97. The total value of those items was $1,210.85.

His next court appearance is Oct. 4.

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