Rockmart Police arrested a local man who was caught shoplifting at Walmart, and told an officer that he “was going through some hard times currently in his life” as the reason for stealing, according to reports.

Police arrested Michael Chase Harrington, 26, of 2558 Cedartown Hwy., Rockmart, on a misdemeanor charge of theft by shoplifting and a felony charge of possession of a firearm or knife during commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies on Monday, July 25 during the lunch hour.

The report stated that he was found with a .22 caliber magnum revolver when he was apprehended by an officer already on the scene.

Per the report, Harrington was caught with a six pack of socks, a gun holster, a camping tent, electrical tape, and a Adult MX BL.

A loss prevention officer told police that Harrington had been confronted before leaving the store with the items, and he was taken to the loss prevention office before police arrived.

Police stated that “Harrington did advise me he had intentionally meant to steal the items. Harrington stated that he was going through some hard times currently in his life.”

Additionally, he understood as a former Walmart employee that he was going to be charged, and that he would be further banned from shopping there in the future.

Harrington spent two days in jail before he was released on a $1,000 bond.