Man carrying over $70 chooses jail over $1.57 soda

[December 30, 2008]  EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) -- Eau Claire police said 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 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.

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Information from: Leader-Telegram, http://www.leadertelegram.com/

[Associated Press]

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