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By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

 

KENNER – A Norco man was recently arrested by Kenner Police after he attempted to leave a Kenner Walmart store with 30 cans of infant formula hidden in a baby carrier and then rammed a shopping cart into a detail officer who approached him.

Kenner detectives believe Shawn Waguespack, 36, of 315 West B St., Norco, planned to sell the infant formula he stole, said Kenner Police Chief Steve Caraway. Total value of the infant formula was $446.40, or $14.88 a can.

According to a report from Kenner Police, on May 18 Waguespack and another man, who is still being sought by Kenner Police, entered the Walmart, located in the 300 block West Esplanade Avenue and split up. The accomplice went to the infant department and put 30 cans of Enfamil powdered baby formula in a shopping cart.

The report said the accomplice wheeled the cart to the shoe department, where he met up with Waguespack, who was pushing a shopping cart with a baby carrier inside with a blanket covering the carrier. The other man walked away and Waguespack began hiding the formula under the blanket.

Waguespack then immediately walked past the registers to the exit, but was approached by a Kenner Police detective, who was alerted to the theft. According to the report, when the detective approached, Waguespack pushed the cart into the detective’s pelvic and thigh area in an attempt to move the officer to the side so he could get around him and into the parking lot.

When he failed to get past the detective, Waguespack turned and ran back into the store, but was tackled by the officer. Waguespack then grabbed at the detectives gun belt and a civilian helped the officer gain control of Waguespack so that he could be handcuffed.

Video footage at the store showed the accomplice chatting with the detective in an attempt to create a diversion to allow Waguespack to escape, according to Police.

Kenner Police said Waguespack had previously attempted similar thefts in the Jefferson Parish area, including an incident at a Lowe’s Store in Marrero, where he attempted to steal wire concealed under a blanket in a baby carrier.

Waguespack was booked with theft of goods under $500, battery on a police officer, resisting an officer and possession of tools for crime. He was released from jail due to prison overcrowding.