Deputies: Drunk man steals beer from gas station, didn't realize officers were already outside

TAMPA, Fla. – A would-be thief ran in to some bad times — and the arms of the law — outside a Tampa convenience store.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies say 28-year-old Emmanuel Camper ran out of the Citgo Quick Mart on Sunday night after taking a beer without paying.

As he ran out the door, several uniformed deputies who were there for another investigation heard the clerk yelling, "He was stealing that beer."

Deputies say Camper was already intoxicated and failed to see them or their patrol cars, which had the overhead lights on.

Camper was taken into custody, charged with petit theft. He remained in the Hillsborough County Jail on Monday morning. Jail records didn't indicate whether he has an attorney.