PARIS — A man described as a transient by police was taken into custody Monday afternoon and charged with shoplifting liquor from a local pharmacy. 

According to police Chief Michael Madden, Richard L. Baker, 35, of Paris is known to the department from previous incidents.

Paris police responded to Rite Aid at 259 Main St. at approximately 8:30 a.m. for a report of an adult male who had stolen a bottle of liquor and fled the store. The officer identified the suspected shoplifter as Baker from the store’s surveillance video.

According to Oxford police Lt. Michael Ward, Baker was taken into custody by Oxford police on Monday afternoon, after the department received reports that he was darting into traffic on Oxford Street. Sgt. Alan Coffin, who responded to the call, reported that Baker was under the influence at the time, Ward said. 

Madden said a Paris officer responded to assist Oxford police and recognized Baker from the surveillance video. Baker was handed over to Paris police and booked at Oxford County Jail on a theft charge shortly after 4 p.m.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Baker remained behind bars on $200 cash bail. He is expected to make an initial court appearance Tuesday.

Investigators are going over additional video evidence from similar shoplifting incidents at local businesses, and more serious charges are expected in the case, Madden said. 

pmcguire@sunjournal.com

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