Port Charlotte, FL - The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office arrested a 44-year-old man on Monday for allegedly stealing nearly $2,000 from a donation tip jar at a Southwest Florida diner.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Christopher Costie, stole the money from a donation jar at the Metro Diner in Port Charlotte.
Security footage captured the suspect leaving the diner on a bicycle last Thursday, prompting an investigation into the theft.
A witness provided police a description of the suspect matching Costie's appearance.
According to the witness, Costie entered the diner around 2:20 p.m., stood by the entrance, and didn't interact with the staff.
Deputies believe Costie took advantage of a distraction among the diner's employees and stole the donation jar intended for a staff member's child.
Costie was questioned by deputies and denied any involvement in the theft.
However, when informed money was missing from the diner, he inquired, "Was it taken from a tip jar?"
This response, according to the report, raised suspicion as deputies hadn't mentioned the specific location of the stolen money or any media reports about the incident.
Costie was arrested and charged with grand theft for stealing property valued between $750 and $5,000.
The stolen donation money remains unrecovered.