- The Washington Times - Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Police in Florida arrested a former top cop from Illinois on shoplifting charges last week.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said Christopher Radz was charged with petty theft for stealing items from a Walmart in The Villages, according to an affidavit acquired Tuesday by Orlando Fox affiliate WOFL.

Authorities said a security officer saw Mr. Radz, 59, put several items in a Walmart plastic bag and try to leave without paying.

He was booked on a $500 bond and was released.

Mr. Radz served as the police chief for Alsip, Illinois, from 1985 to 2017 before his retirement. The town is part of the Chicago metropolitan area.

“The village of Alsip employed Chris for 32 years. The news surrounding his arrest is something I’m surprised to hear, as it’s out of character for the Chris I worked with for more than a decade,” current Alsip Police Chief Jay Miller said in a statement to WOFL.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.

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