An Atlanta, Georgia, detective allegedly went on a beer run at a grocery store, neglected to pay, and used his undercover vehicle to go home and enjoy his brew.
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Thirsty for some SweetWater IPA, off-duty detective Ronald Sluss stopped off at a Publix in Canton, about 40 miles outside of Atlanta, on Sept. 16. According to local outlet WSBTV, citing the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, the detective stole a 12-pack of the beer valued at around $19.
Sluss, clad in civilian clothes topped off with a ball cap and sunglasses, was captured on security footage stepping past the checkout holding the beer and clutching what looked like a receipt, according to investigators.
Meanwhile, a grocery store manager spotted the detective allegedly strolling through without paying. The quick-thinking manager followed Sluss outside the store and took a photo of his vehicle, an undercover, unmarked car.
The Publix manager went back inside to call 911 about the alleged theft. He was clueless about the fact that Sluss was a detective.
Arresting Deputies Reportedly Claimed the Detective Had a "Strong Odor of Alcohol" on His Breath
Indeed, it took deputies a minute to make the connection, too, considering Sluss reportedly used his undercover vehicle during the alleged 12-pack beer heist. However, deputies eventually traced the vehicle back to the Atlanta Police Department. That's when supervisors allegedly revealed Sluss as the individual deputies were looking for.
Authorities eventually caught up with Sluss at his home. An arresting deputy claimed he smelled a "strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath," per WSBTV. The outlet also reported that the detective's undercover vehicle smelled of beer.
Of course, customers of the Georgia grocery store were blind sided by the alleged incident.
"Not beer," one shocked shopper told WSBTV before adding, "I mean, I wouldn't say anything is okay to steal."
"I would think he would know what he did is a bad idea," another grocery store shopper weighed in.
Sluss is no longer working in the field but remains employed by the Atlanta Police Department. Meanwhile, the department's Office of Professional Standards is reportedly investigating the alleged incident.
"It is to be noted that the Atlanta Police Department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. Officers are expected to abide by the highest standards of our profession," the department added in a Sept. 25 statement.
