A shoplifter caught stealing from a Target store cried in court after being found not guilty of a more serious crime.
Jake Fitch-Barclay was convicted Tuesday of misdemeanor shoplifting for stealing several items – including the shoes he was wearing when he was caught – from the San Francisco store at Geary Boulevard and Masonic Avenue last April.
Fitch-Barclay was sentenced to time already served. He was facing nearly 10 years in prison because a deadly weapon was used. After deliberating for five hours, the jury found him not guilty of two counts of felony attempted robbery.
Security video released by the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office shows up to four security guards pouncing on Fitch-Barclay and dragging him back into the store.
Fitch-Barclay was carrying a pocketknife. Two of the guards suffered minor cuts during the scuffle.