Caught on Camera: Man Steals Donation Box From La Jolla Store

The money had been meant for animals at the Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Police are searching for a man suspected of stealing a donation box from a La Jolla store on Friday.

Employees at My Sister's Closet in University Town Center told NBC 7 they are wondering why anyone would steal money that was meant for shelter animals.

They say the man walked into the store around 3:45 p.m. and had been acting strangely.

β€œHe was a little jittery,” Randy Patterson, a sales associate said. β€œHe even said to me β€˜I’m not homeless, don’t worry about it.’”

Randy says the man said he was waiting for his wife.

But the moment they left him alone, he took off with the donation box. Surveillance cameras caught the man stuffing the box into a backpack.

β€œHe literally walked up to the register, grabbed the box of money,” Patterson said.

The donation box had been filled to the top with cash.

Employees say there were only $100 inside but it was meant for the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.

β€œYou’re stealing from people who really need this money, animals that need this money. They need every cent they can possibly get,” Patterson said.

Patterson told NBC 7 his manager chased the man but he got away on his bicycle. The suspect did leave behind a bag of his belongings.

The San Diego Police Department is investigating.

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