Suspected shoplifter arrested after causing $6,000 in damage while fleeing a store

A man who is reportedly homeless was arrested Monday on felony and misdemeanor warrants. He is accused of shoplifting at a local adult store earlier this month and causing $6,000 in damage during his escape.

Shawn Christopher Hill, 40, who lists his address as City Streets, was arrested at the corner of Spargo and Vine Streets shortly after 11 a.m. He had a warrant out for first-degree criminal damage, punishable by up to six years in prison, and a warrant out for theft of property under $1,000, punishable by up to one year in prison.

Hill, who has no prior criminal record other than a trespassing charge, remained in custody Wednesday on $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Garland County District Court on Friday.

According to the probable cause affidavit, on June 3, shortly before 8:30 p.m., Hot Springs police responded to a complaint of property damage at Seductions Lingerie, 3360 Central Ave.

An employee stated that a white male entered the store and selected several magazines valued at approximately $60 and then attempted to leave the store without paying. The employee activated the magnetic lock on the front door to prevent the man from leaving with the stolen merchandise.

The white man then allegedly “violently” escaped from the store and caused an estimated $6,000 in damage to the door, including the door frame, the security glass, the alarm mechanism and the magnetic locking system.

Officers later identified the suspect as Hill by comparing the information they received with a recent photo of him. Detective Jason Crump was reportedly able to confirm he was the perpetrator and issued a warrant for his arrest on Friday.