Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — An Argentine man was arrested Thursday after attempting to steal merchandise from a Sorianita supermarket, sparking a tense confrontation with security staff and police.
The incident occurred at the store located at the intersection of Avenida 30 and Calles 38 and 40. According to reports, the suspect entered the store as a regular customer, collected several items, and then proceeded to the self-checkout area. There, he pretended to scan the products in an attempt to bypass the store’s security system.
After placing the items in his bag, the man walked toward the exit. However, private security personnel had been monitoring his suspicious behavior and stopped him at the door, demanding to see his receipt.
Unable to provide proof of purchase, the suspect tried to flee, but security guards quickly intercepted him, subdued him on the floor, and called emergency services.
Minutes later, officers from the Public Security Department arrived at the scene. What should have been a routine procedure turned into a lengthy delay that frustrated store employees. Witnesses reported that the officers appeared reluctant to make the arrest, prolonging the process with vague arguments, allegedly to avoid transporting the detainee.
After discussions and pressure from store staff, who insisted on legal action, the officers finally placed the suspect in a patrol vehicle. He was taken into custody and handed over to the appropriate authorities to determine his legal status on charges of commercial robbery.
