Walmart Phone Pilfer: Suspect Charged After Stealing iPhone And Running From Calvert Deputies

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Hyattsville man is facing theft, assault, and obstruction charges after deputies say he stole a cellphone from outside a Walmart and later resisted arrest while attempting to flee on foot.

Lavonte Lewis Grimes, 30, of Hyattsville, was arrested on March 2, 2026, following an investigation by the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office.

According to charging documents, deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:01 p.m. to the Walmart located at 150 North Solomons Island Road in Prince Frederick for a reported theft. Dispatch advised that a heavy-set Black male in his 30s to 40s, wearing black pants, tennis shoes, and a hoodie, had stolen a phone from a store associate outside the business.

While responding to the call, a deputy observed a man matching the description walking northbound along the southbound side of Solomons Island Road near Main Street. The deputy stopped and identified the individual as Grimes.

During the encounter, Grimes reportedly pulled a blue cellphone from his pocket when asked about the device. Investigators noted a noticeable bulge in his other front pocket consistent with another phone. When the deputy asked about the second item, Grimes claimed it was a box containing medication.

Another deputy arrived and attempted to make contact with the victim at Walmart while the investigation continued. As deputies attempted to verify the phone and medication information, Grimes became increasingly agitated and repeatedly demanded the phone back.

According to investigators, when deputies attempted to detain him, Grimes pushed an officer’s hand away and ran from the scene. Deputies pursued him on foot and deployed a Taser while ordering him to stop.

Grimes eventually stopped running and was taken into custody. Deputies reported that he continued moving his hands while officers attempted to secure him in handcuffs before he was fully restrained.

Authorities later confirmed through store surveillance and witness information that Grimes had taken the phone from the Walmart employee. The device was identified as an Apple iPhone 13 valued at $210.94.

Grimes was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center following his arrest. The stolen phone was returned to Walmart.

Grimes was charged with theft from $100 to under $1,500, obstructing and hindering, and second-degree assault.

Court records show Grimes was initially held without bond following his arrest on March 2, 2026. After a bail review hearing on March 3, 2026, before Judge Robyn Riddle in Calvert District Court, he was released on his own recognizance.

A bench warrant was later issued on March 5, 2026, after Grimes failed to comply with court requirements.

A hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2026, in Calvert District Court.

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