SALISBURY — A Salisbury man known as “the meat man” walked out of Walmart with nearly $100 worth of meat and was arrested near the store a short time later.
Anthony Todd Bailey, 52, who lives in the 500 block of North Main Street, was charged Friday with one count of misdemeanor larceny and one count of resisting, obstructing or delaying an officer, also a misdemeanor. An officer stunned Bailey with a Taser, after he refused to stop, according to police.
Bailey remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $1,500 secured bond. Walmart loss prevention officers told police Bailey has previously been the store and walked out with meat, so much so they gave him the nickname “The Meat Man.”
Friday’s encounter with Salisbury Police began with a phone call from the store about someone who had stolen some meat. When the police arrived at 11:37 p.m., the suspect had already left the store. An officer driving near Harrel Street spotted someone matching the description of the person who took the items. The officer asked Bailey, who was carrying a Target bag, if he’d been at the store and Bailey said no. The officer asked Bailey repeatedly to stop and Bailey continued to walk.
The officer warned Bailey if he did not stop, he would be Tasered. Bailey did not stop and was stunned in the shoulder. Bailey had $98.54 worth of meat from Walmart inside the bag.
Bailey has a conviction record that dates to 1987 that includes robbery, multiple larcenies, assault on an officer, breaking and entering, receiving stolen goods, several trespassing charges and shoplifting offenses.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.