Retail theft upgraded to felony due to prior convictions, investigators said
A Hatfield man is facing felony charges after police said he stole a drink from a local Wawa, marking his fourth retail theft offense.
Matthew Austin Short, 36, of no fixed address, was charged April 5 by Hatfield Police with felony retail theft and receiving stolen property in connection with the incident at the Wawa on North Broad Street in Hatfield Township, according to court documents.
Police allege Short entered the store around 12:17 p.m., selected a can of Monster Energy drink valued at $3.92, and consumed it inside the store without paying. When confronted by the store manager, Short allegedly acknowledged the accusation and left the store after discarding the empty container.
Officers later identified Short through prior contacts and surveillance footage, police said. According to the affidavit, Short admitted to taking the drink, telling police he did so because he was thirsty.
Court records show Short has three prior retail theft convictions, including incidents in Hilltown Township and Lansdale Borough. Because this case represents a fourth offense, the charge was elevated to a third-degree felony, police said.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
