Man Arrested After Brazen Theft at Paso Robles Walmart

An Atascadero man faces grand theft charges for allegedly trying to steal a computer and two flat screen televisions from the Walmart on Niblick Road in Paso Robles.

Kyle James Learmonth, 25, reportedly walked into the store Saturday about 6 p.m. and went directly to the electronics area.

Police said Learmonth put the televisions and the computer in a shopping cart and walked out the front door of the store without paying for the items. Two Walmart employees followed Learmonth to a vehicle in the parking lot. They questioned Learmonth about the merchandise and whether he had paid for them.

Police said Learmonth put the computer in the trunk of the vehicle, but when the televisions wouldn’t fit he just left them behind and drove away.

Officers used surveillance video and the vehicle’s registration to track down Learmonth. They arrested him the next day at his home in Atascadero without incident.

Officers searched his home and allegedly found the stolen computer. Learmonth also is on probation in SLO County.

He was booked into jail on one count of grand theft.