Chicago cop loses job over trail mix theft

CHICAGO, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Chicago Police Board fired a 22-year Chicago Police veteran last month for stealing a $1 bag of trail mix from an area Walgreen's, documents show.

Testimony from last month's board hearing released this week showed officer Aaron Pena lost his job after he was captured on video taking a bag of trail mix out of the retail store without paying for it, the Chicago Tribune said Thursday.

Pena, who was described as helpful by members of Chicago's Ogden District community, admitted to taking the bag out of the store by accident in August 2007.

The former police officer had testified he had purchased two bags of the trail mix and was preparing to buy a third when he was distracted by his radio. He alleged at his board appearance he simply forgot about the third bag and left the store.

City attorneys alleged Pena had stolen from the store on two other occasions but was not charged in either incident.

The Tribune said Pena was also cited for not informing a police dispatcher he was at the Walgreen's after leaving a burglary call.