Jailed Man Chooses "Can" Over Paying for $1.57 Soda

NBC10 ^ | 12/28/08 | Phoenix11

[Phoenix11]

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — Eau Claire police say a man accused of stealing a soda worth $1.57 chose to go to jail rather than pay up, even though he was carrying more than $70.

Police responding to the report of a theft recently say the 27-year-old Altoona man appeared drunk. An employee told officers the man had taken a cup from the counter, filled it and began drinking.

When employees told him he had to pay for the drink or leave, the man refused to do either.

A police officer told the man he could pay $1.57 or go to jail, and the man chose jail. The officer handcuffed and searched him, finding the money in his pocket.

The man was issued an ordinance citation for retail theft.

[Doctor Raoul]

Obama supporter trying out the new spread the wealth plan a few days early.

How do I know he’s an Obamabot? He’s a drunk!

[mamelukesabre]

If he was going to jail he should’ve at least stolen some beef jerky or something more expensive than a pop.

[TonyStark]

Why should any of us have to pay for sodas anymore?

Yeah. Good question. Damned Cheney.

I just want everyone to understand that free soda in no way reduces Obama's responsibility to fill my gas tank or pay my mortgage. The free soda thing is basically a pre-inauguration bonus, and does not deduct from earlier commitments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P36x8rTb3jI

[Graybeard58]

The free soda thing is basically a pre-inauguration bonus, and does not deduct from earlier commitments.

I'm 63, does this mean I will finally get the free pony I've always wanted?

Oh well. better late than never, I suppose.

[Drew68]

Drunks do stupid things.

They always seem like good ideas at the time.

[Drew68]

If he was going to jail he should’ve at least stolen some beef jerky or something more expensive than a pop.

Heck, I knew a guy who got kicked out of the navy as an E-5 with 11 years active duty for stealing a can of chewing tobacco from the exchange. And he was carrying the cash to pay for it! It sounded harsh until we learned his first two or three shoplifting busts had been swept under the rug.

[TonyStark]

The free soda thing is basically a pre-inauguration bonus, and does not deduct from earlier commitments.

I'm 63, does this mean I will finally get the free pony I've always wanted?

Oh well. better late than never, I suppose.

Your pony has been redefined as 6 dogs. Those 6 dogs have in turn been identified as the equivalent of 32 mice. Those mice have been used in human embryonic stem cell research which may some day result in you being able to clone yourself. The second you will be subject to only 50% of your taxable income (which you will be responsible for paying). So in a way, Obama has returned 100% on his pony promise to you already, and given your future-dated clone a 50% reduction in taxes.

Change you can believe in, if you can figure it out.

[Eastbound]

The thrill of the chase....uhh...or something like that.

[Eastbound]

Prolly the same reason a lot of folks will try to outrun a cop. Some deep-seated reason, which will remain a mystery,

[ViLaLuz]

I see the children of illegals all the time stuffing their faces with cookies, snacks and drinks in the grocery store all the time. They don’t pay for the food they eat.

[Elsiejay]

Possibly the most exciting event of the evening in Eau Claire, and that’s not a bad thing.