Hamilton man says he intended to return items he stole from Fairfield Goodwill

A Hamilton man stole a mountain bike and a gas-powered leaf blower from Goodwill, but told police he was just borrowing the items.

Jeffrey Morris, 47, of Hamilton, allegedly stole the bike just after 5 a.m. May 12 from the front of the Goodwill Industries building at 4605 Dixie Highway, according to police. He also allegedly took the leaf blower from the loading dock on the north side of the building.

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The thefts were reported at around 9 a.m. May 12, and at 3:10 p.m. that same day an employee saw an older white male — later identified as Morris — pull in front of the Goodwill building riding a bike that looked similar to the one stolen.

When confronted by a Goodwill supervisor, Morris walked away toward Symmes Road. That supervisor called police, who found Morris walking in the neighborhood behind Goodwill.

When confronted, Morris told police “he had taken the bicycle last night but only to help get his wife home and he was returning the bicycle to Goodwill,” according to the report.

Morris was later asked about the leaf blower and told police “he took it as well and was going to bring it back.”

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The leaf blower was at his house in Hamilton. The officer transported Morris to his home to retrieve and to return the leaf blower.

Morris was issued a court summons and charged with petty theft, a first-degree misdemeanor. Morris did not show for a Fairfield Municipal Court appearance and a bench warrant was issued May 22 for his arrest.

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