Idaho Man Allegedly Used Barcode Ring To Swipe Grill From Self Checkout For Price Of Tomato Soup

Police in Idaho noted the “creativity” and “ingenuity” of a man arrested for allegedly using a homemade barcode ring to swipe a grill from a Walmart self checkout for the price of a can of tomato soup.

The Caldwell Police Department said officers responded to a report of a theft in progress at a Walmart store at around 6 p.m. Sunday. While en route, officers learned the suspect left the store heading west on Cleveland Boulevard, and got a description of his vehicle.

After identifying the suspect as 32-year-old Dylan Rockwell, officers located him at his residence. Rockwell was detained without incident, and officers recovered the stolen grill, valued at $300.

Police said Rockwell admitted wearing a ring inscribed with a barcode for a can of tomato soup, and using it instead of scanning the grill at the self checkout, causing the register to charge him a tiny fraction of the actual price of the grill. He allegedly admitted to committing “several thefts” from Walmart in this way.

Rockwell was charged with felony burglary.

“Sorry Mr. Rockwell, your tactics didnt work this time but we appreciate your creativity,” said Caldwell Chief of Police Rex Ingram. “We know that times are tough but your ingenuity got you some county soup for dinner.”