Alleged thief attempts getaway with two 24-packs of beer on bicycle

A powerful thirst was apparently no match Wednesday for a dedicated employee.

Benjamin Savage, 43, 551 S. Sprigg St., Apt. A, was arrested by Cape Girardeau police on stealing charges after attempting to take two 24-packs of beer from Bi-State Southern, 612 S. Sprigg St., police department spokesman Cpl. Adam Glueck said

Friday.

Savage, who used a bicycle to make his getaway, was chased through the parking lot and down Sprigg Street by an employee of the convenience store, Glueck said. The employee was able to take the beer back from Savage but was unable to detain Savage for police.

Officers found Savage in the 2100 block of William Street and arrested him, Glueck said.

Glueck did not identify the employee. A message left at Bi-State Southern's offices was not returned.

Balancing two 24-packs of beer on a bicycle while trying to elude a pursuer was likely an interesting sight, Glueck said.

"I'm not sure how he put that on his bicycle," Glueck said. "He is apparently more skilled than I

am."

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle filed a single misdemeanor count of stealing against Savage. Bond was set at $2,500 cash only. Savage is on probation for a 2008 conviction for domestic assault.

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent Addresses:

551 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

612 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.