By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A suspected shoplifter was arrested after trying to steal several items from a grocery store in Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City, Thursday evening.

Police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Michael John Araya, a resident of Barangay Guinhalaran, Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Based on a report by Police Station 4 (PS4), Araya allegedly tried to steal chocolate and school supplies, worth around P654.

Unknown to Araya, he was being monitored by store security and he was eventually caught after being blocked from exiting the store.

Araya was handed over to PS4, where he is now presently detained on theft charges./DGB, WDJ