Homeless man identified as suspect in repeated shoplifting incidents at Celebration Pointe Nike Outlet store

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Dennis Claude Coleman, Jr., 19, who was arrested on September 14 for shoplifting from a Walgreens store, has been identified as the suspect in repeated shoplifting incidents from the Nike Outlet store at Celebration Pointe.

On January 19, representatives from the store reported two thefts. On December 26, 2023, surveillance video reportedly showed a man walking around the store, grabbing items, and shoving them in a Nike mesh shopping bag. The stolen items reportedly included pants, hoodies, and shoes, and the man allegedly left the store without paying for the items, valued at $277.93.

On January 14, 2024, the same man was shown on surveillance video with a woman, identified as Vandreonna Thompkins. Surveillance video reportedly showed Thompkins talking to, directing, and walking with Coleman, and Thompkins allegedly carried a mesh shopping bag that was “overflowing” with merchandise, about six items of clothing on hangers, and folded clothes. Coleman was reportedly carrying eight Nike shoe boxes. Coleman allegedly tried to leave through the emergency exit with the shoes, but the door did not open; the video shows Coleman looking to Thompkins for guidance, and after a short conversation, they walk away in different directions. Coleman allegedly ran out the front door with the shoes, valued at $1,099.91, and Thompkins reportedly left her merchandise in the store.

Facial identification software was used to identify Coleman and Thompkins as the suspects, and after Coleman’s September arrest, he reportedly identified himself in the Nike Outlet videos and confessed to stealing the merchandise. He reportedly said he stole “random” merchandise and sold it in the “streets.”

On August 18, the Nike Outlet store reported two more thefts. On August 10, Coleman allegedly grabbed shirts, shorts, three pairs of shoes, and other items valued at $800, placed them in a shopping bag, and left without paying.

On August 14, Coleman allegedly stole $400 in merchandise from the Nike Outlet store.

Two counts of grand theft and one count of retail theft have been added to his previous charge of retail theft; Coleman has not yet been booked on the August 14 incident, but a sworn complaint has been filed. Coleman has four felony convictions for drug possession, burglary, and dealing in stolen property. He is being held on $37,500 bail, but his attorney has filed a motion to have him released on his own recognizance, saying he will live at GRACE Marketplace or with a family member.

Sworn complaints have been filed against Thompkins, but no warrants have been issued for her arrest.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.