Shane Lamonte McKee is shown after his arrest for shoplifting at Public on Gold Hill Road in Fort Mill.

   A group of bystanders helped employees of the Fort Mill Publix chase down a meat thief on Monday, authorities said.

   Shane Lamonte McKee dropped the stolen meat and seafood and was eventually arrested nearby.

   The incident happened Monday at the Publix at 928 Gold Hill Road. An employee told York County deputies that a black male with an American flag beanie came in the store, filled a cart up with over $280 in meats and seafood then ran out of the store without paying.

   “The suspect dropped the items in the parking lot after being chased by the complainant, an associate and bystanders,” a sheriff’s report says.

  Deputies located McKee across the street, where he confessed. He said he ran to his cousin’s SUV after fleeing from Publix.

   “Shane had $224 in cash in his possession and stated he could’ve paid for the items he shoplifted, but was expecting his cousin to which is why he decided to then take the items,” a report says.

   Shane was placed under arrest for shoplifting and transported to the county jail.

In other crime news from the York County Sheriff’s Office:

  • A 1995 Lexus was taken Sunday from the lot of BBS Auto Sales at 132 S. Sutton Road. Vehicle was running with the keys in it. The vehicle was entered in NCIC.

   • Last Wednesday, an unknown suspect took a 10 pound box of soursop fruit ($91) from the doorstep of a residence at Evolve Apartments on Asheville Avenue. The package was delivered by FedEx.

• On Saturday, a black male stole 4 cases of Corona from the QT store at 3282 Highway 21. Suspect left in a black in color Kia Rio displaying NC TAJ 1417. Deputy L. Frame had Pineville Police respond to the registered address to make contact as this was the second known theft by this suspect this week. On Sunday, Deputy McClain observed the BOLO suspect vehicle that was involved with several shoplifting of beer from the QT. Deputy McClain attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yielded and traveled into NC after a short distance.

• Deputies responded to Friendly’s Auto Sales (2988 Highway 21) in reference to a theft of a catalytic converter and the attempted theft of another. Management advised that the catalytic converter of a 2001 Honda Odyssey van was stolen overnight Saturday around 4:40 a.m. Management also advised damage was done to a 2008 Toyota Prius in the attempted theft of its catalytic converter. Video surveillance depicted three suspects arriving in an older model silver in color Honda Civic.

Greg "Ricky Bobby" Rickabaugh has lived in the Fort Mill and York County community since 2006. He has covered the area while a reporter for The Charlotte Observer and a freelance writer for The Fort Mill...