Man accused of stealing hundreds of dollars in meat from Coral Springs Publix arrested after fleeing into nearby Sonic
Coral Springs, Florida – What began as an alleged shoplifting incident at a local grocery store quickly escalated into a foot chase, property damage, and multiple criminal charges after a man accused of stealing hundreds of dollars worth of meat was arrested inside a nearby restaurant.
According to authorities, the incident unfolded during the morning hours of June 18 at a Publix supermarket located along West Sample Road in Coral Springs. Police say 55-year-old Thomas Dinapoli entered the store and selected a large quantity of meat products before leaving without paying for the merchandise.
Investigators estimated the value of the unpaid items at more than $358. The alleged theft was reported shortly after 10:25 a.m., prompting a response from law enforcement officers.
When authorities attempted to stop him, Dinapoli allegedly refused to comply with their commands and fled across the shopping plaza. The pursuit did not last long, but it took an unexpected turn when he entered a neighboring Sonic restaurant in an effort to avoid capture.
Police said the situation intensified inside the fast-food establishment. During the incident, Dinapoli allegedly damaged a cash register, resulting in approximately $250 in losses. Officers also reported that he entered a restricted employees-only section of the restaurant, an area where customers and unauthorized individuals are not permitted.
The standoff eventually came to an end when officers located and detained him inside the business.
Following the arrest, investigators encountered additional difficulties while attempting to identify the suspect. According to the police report, Dinapoli repeatedly provided inaccurate personal information, including an incorrect date of birth. Authorities were ultimately forced to use alternative methods to verify his identity.
A search conducted after his arrest reportedly uncovered a glass pipe containing cocaine residue. Officers also found several lighters, which they believe were associated with the use of the pipe.
Before being booked, Dinapoli was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and clearance. Once released, he was taken to the Coral Springs Police Department for processing and later transferred to the Broward Main Jail.
Authorities have filed a series of charges against him, including burglary of an occupied structure, retail theft, criminal mischief, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer without violence.
The case is the latest in a string of unusual theft incidents involving meat products at South Florida grocery stores.
Just weeks earlier, police in nearby Coconut Creek arrested 44-year-old Rasheed Abdur in connection with a separate Publix theft investigation. Authorities in that case alleged that nearly $400 worth of meat and shrimp was taken from a store. Abdur was subsequently charged with multiple felony theft offenses.
While the two incidents are unrelated, both cases have drawn attention because of the unusually high value of the stolen food products and the criminal allegations that followed.
The Coral Springs case remains under review as it moves through the court system. No additional details about the suspect’s legal representation or future court appearances were immediately available.
