Harry Symmonds robs Vero Beach Publix of $100 worth of meat, police say

VERO BEACH — A man suspected of stealing a purse at Publix was apprehended when he was accused of shoplifting about $100 worth of meat from the store the next day, Vero Beach police said.

Harry Symmonds, 60, of the 2700 block of 29th Avenue Southwest, remained at the Indian River County Jail Friday. Symmonds, who has a couple of convictions for theft, was held in lieu of $7,000 bail.

Sunday morning, a woman said her purse was stolen from her shopping cart while she was inside the Publix in the 400 block of 21st Street, the report states. The purse and the valuables inside, including an iPhone 3G and a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses, were valued at more than $500. Staff at the store showed police surveillance video of the incident and noted the suspect's description.

About 5:45 p.m. Monday, staff stopped Symmonds as he left the store with a cart filled with steak, police said. A detective charged Symmonds with retail theft for taking the steaks, possession of drug paraphernalia and an open container.

Police are still investigating the purse theft. Detectives said Symmonds matches the appearance of the man with the goatee who took the purse. Symmonds denied stealing the purse, according to his affidavit.