Man caught stealing electronics at Wal-Mart

A south Alabama man was arrested Thursday after being accused of stealing from the electronics section at the Russellville Wal-Mart.

Johnny Ray Hatcher Jr., 38, 1455 Lawrence Harris Highway, Slocomb, is charged with second-degree theft of property and second-degree receiving stolen property.

Authorities said he obtained a magnetic key used to unlock electronic cases at Wal-Mart stores to steal several items.

Police investigators said Hatcher took four iPod touches and left the store before members of the store’s lost prevention unit could catch him.

Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said officers stopped Hatcher a short time later and found the devices in his possession.

Police also found a Bose speaker system inside the car.

Authorities are unsure what led Hatcher to this area other than that “he was making his rounds.”

At least one other north Alabama police department has already sent investigators to Russellville to talk with Hatcher about similar thefts, officials said.

Officials said Hatcher got the key from a friend who is a former Wal-Mart employee.

He is being held without bond in the Franklin County Jail.