Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) – A Ponemah man is facing misdemeanor charges after a bizarre shoplifting incident in Bemidji, Minnesota, where he allegedly dressed a child in stolen clothing and then lied to officers about his identity.
According to a criminal complaint, Harlan Gene Kingbird Jr. (DOB 8/30/1980) was accused of stealing a child’s jacket and boots by removing the tags and placing the items directly on a child with him. He then scanned and paid for only one of three selected tools at self-checkout before attempting to leave the store without paying for the rest.
When approached by Bemidji Police Officers Rachel Kniss and Jeff Amey, Kingbird falsely claimed to be “Arlan Jene Corona” with a different birthdate. He was unable to answer basic questions about his false identity and was ultimately identified as Kingbird.
The total theft amounted to $131.42, and Kingbird is now charged with misdemeanor theft and providing a false name to police.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.