Theft At Aurora Store Leads To Drug Bust

The incident happened around midnight on November 18.

(Aurora, Ind.) - A theft at the Aurora Walmart led to a drug bust last week. 

Aurora Police responded to the Walmart Supercenter on Sycamore Estates Drive on November 18 after a male subject was seen removing a wallet, keychain and phone cord from their packaging and concealed them in his waistband. 

A Walmart employee told police that two subject went through the self-check line and purchased two beverages but failed to pay for a lanyard around the neck of one of the subjects. 

The employee made contact with one of the subjects, who said the other male went to the restroom to "ditch" merchandise. 

At that time, police entered the building and located Joshua James Browning coming out of the restroom. He initially denied any theft. 

While speaking with Browning, he allegedly admitted to stealing the lanyard, which was found in the trash. Police also say they located a plastic baggie in Browning's waistband. 

Browning then tried to flee. Officers detained Browning and were able to retrieve the baggie that allegedly contained 4 1/2 peach tablets, identified to be Buprenorphine. Police say Browning was also in possession of Xanax tablets, methamphetamine and marijuana. 

According to a probable cause affidavit, Browning told police he removed items from their packages but placed them back on shelves, except for the lanyard - which he forgot was around his neck. In total, the items damaged and unable to be resold had a value of $13.05. 

Browning is charged with Theft, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Criminal Mischief and Resisting Law Enforcement. 

He is held in the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center on $15,000 surety and $1,000 cash bond.