Suspected laptop computer thief caught on tape

A man captured on a surveillance video Wednesday at Best Buy, 3026 William St., is suspected of stealing a laptop computer from the store.

Cape Girardeau police Sgt. Barry Hovis said Thursday that police responded to a call just before 3:30 p.m. Wednesday after the suspect grabbed a Gateway laptop computer, valued at $750, and left the store without paying for it.

The suspect allegedly pushed aside a store employee stationed at the exit who asked the man pay for the computer.

No one was injured in the incident, Hovis said.

Best Buy representative Jeff Dudash said Thursday the employee acted appropriately in the situation.

"The first, second and third priority in instances like that is the safety of our employees and customers," he said. "Don't take actions into your own hands. And once they can do it safely, they should call 911."

Video recordings showed tattoos on the man's body -- the name of "Kayle" tattooed on the right side of his neck, another woman's name on the left side of his neck and a circular design tattooed on the back of his right hand.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the department at 335-6621.

carel@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127