We’re not sure if more strange things necessarily happen in Lufkin than in other small towns, but the person behind the Lufkin Daily News police blotter has a great appreciation for the absurd. (Learn more about Lufkin Daily News crime reporter Jessica Cooley here.)
Each day the blotter contains a new gem, ranging from the very mundane to the very bizarre. We’ve compiled our favorites from December below:
December 29
Lufkin Police found a naked man in the middle of the street Friday evening after he was nearly hit by a vehicle. He was booked on a count of public intoxication.
December 29
An English Bulldog valued at $1,200 was reportedly stolen from its home.
December 28
Two Angelina County women were arrested Thursday after allegedly attempting to walk out of Walmart with more than $50 worth of merchandise. Items they allegedly attempted to steal included a bra, a bra strap extender, cilantro, cake mix, icing, strawberries, corned beef, and a box of forks.
December 27
A handicap mirror tag was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle.
December 27
Six portable oxygen bottles were reported stolen.
December 21
Ray’s Drive-In customers drove away without paying their $20 ticket and reportedly took the tray, salt and pepper shakers and ketchup bottle with them. According to a police report, the tray is valued at $50, the salt and pepper shakers are worth $10, and the ketchup $2.
December 19
A man was arrested at the Lufkin Mall after allegedly attempting to shoplift $45 Sketcher shoes and $17 Beyonce perfume.
December 17
A Literacy Fund Foundation donation jar was reportedly stolen Sunday night from a business.
December 14
A sign that states “We make signs” was reportedly stolen overnight from outside a business.
December 12
A 25-year-old man was arrested after being accused of taking a person’s cell phone off their table at a restaurant.
December 11
A man reportedly struck a Lufkin Sears employee in the head with a Craftsman digital level that he had attempted to steal.
December 7
A trench coat-clad Lufkin man wearing a top hat was arrested Thursday after walking out of Brookshire Brothers with less than $15 worth of merchandise including hot dogs, peanut butter cookies, pecans, and peanuts.
December 7
A shipment containing four bottles of Tahitian Noni juice worth $145 was reported stolen outside a home.
December 6
A Lufkin woman who hit a Dollar Store employee while trying to leave the store with $87 worth of cosmetics in her purse was arrested.
December 6
One beer was reported stolen from a store.
December 5
Bags of aluminum cans were reportedly stolen from outside a home.
December 5
Safety seats were reported stolen from a vehicle broken into Tuesday.
