Crime & Safety
Meat Thermometer Threat Turns Shoplifting into Attempted Robbery by Force
Waukesha County prosecutors filed the more serious charge against a Milwaukee man for an attempt to steal meat from a Brookfield grocery, after he threatened to stab a security officer.
Prosecutors have charged a man with felony attempted robbery by use of force, saying that he threatened a security officer with a meat thermometer while shoplifting from a Brookfield grocery.
Robert Diggins, 57, of Milwaukee charged with the Class E Felony Monday, one which carries a maximum sentence of 7½ years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine.
According to reports, at 9:58 p.m. Feb. 28, police were called the Pick ‘n Save at 12735 W. Capitol Drive after a security guard tried to stop the suspect from leaving with $99 worth of meat.
Find out what's happening in Brookfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Also on Brookfield Patch:
- Easter activities in Brookfield
- Resident survey: Focus on tax base
- Jewelry store employees foil identity thief
When confronted at the doors, according to the criminal complaint, Diggins grabbed the sharp thermometer from the shirt pocket of a store security officer and said, “I’m going to stab you with this.”
Find out what's happening in Brookfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
He did, however, drop the goods and then escaped in an older teal-colored Geo Metro hatchback, heading east.
Diggins’ preliminary hearing in Waukesha County Circuit Court is slated for Monday.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
