Photo: Chiociolla / iStock / Getty Images
Largo, FL - A Largo man was arrested after allegedly destroying nearly 80 pumpkins outside a Target store in Pinellas County.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on October 21st at the Target located on Ulmerton Road.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows 31-year-old Aaron Thompson taking pumpkins from a seasonal display and throwing them onto the ground.
The arrest affidavit estimates that 80 pumpkins were damaged, causing $472.14 in property loss.
A few days later, Thompson returned to the same Target store and was approached by a sheriff’s deputy.
Inside the store’s loss prevention office, the deputy showed him the surveillance video and asked if he could identify the person in the footage.
Thompson allegedly responded, “That’s me.”
When questioned about his motive, Thompson told deputies he became angry after “someone was messing with him on Facebook,” according to the affidavit.
Authorities say Thompson did not attempt to flee and appeared unremorseful after the incident, allegedly stating that he went home and went to sleep afterward.
He was arrested on October 25th and charged with felony criminal mischief.
Jail records show Thompson was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and is being held on a $5,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials review surveillance evidence related to the property damage.