MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man with a history of theft and an active warrant was arrested Saturday after a bold shoplifting attempt at the Walmart in Mercer County ended in a short foot chase and dumpster dive.
On July 12, 2025, deputies responded to a report of a shoplifter in progress at the Walmart on Greasy Ridge Road. According to 911 dispatch, Walmart Loss Prevention had spotted a man taking a backpack off the shelf and stuffing it with merchandise.
The suspect — described as wearing khaki pants, a black shirt, a black and gray baseball cap, and sunglasses — exited through the garden center doors and was seen walking across the front of the store when law enforcement arrived.
When a deputy attempted to stop him, the man fled behind a nearby strip mall, tossing a large blue backpack into a dumpster before trying to hide. He was quickly apprehended without further incident and identified as Corey Belcher.
Inside the recovered backpack, officers found over $530 worth of merchandise, including packs of sports cards, a duffel bag, pepper spray, men’s boxers, and socks.
Walmart staff informed deputies that Belcher had previously been banned from all Walmart locations. A further check revealed he also had an active warrant in Bluefield, Virginia for failure to appear on a prior shoplifting charge. The Bluefield Police Department confirmed they would extradite.
Belcher was taken to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and charged with:
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Shoplifting (1st offense)
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Trespassing
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Obstructing an Officer
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Along with the outstanding Virginia warrant.
