Police Publish Photo of Man Who Didn't Turn In $30
The Albany Police Department in Georgia posted a photo of a Walmart shopper and asked the public to help identify him after he picked up $30 that another shopper had dropped on the floor and did not turn it in to store employees. The department shared the appeal on Facebook, noting that the individual had not handed the money over.
Another shopper told police they had dropped the cash and reported the incident. The department's post drew skeptical and sarcastic reactions from social media users who questioned why authorities were pursuing such a small amount.
Social Media Reactions Question the Search
Commenters expressed disbelief at the police response. One user recalled finding a bank envelope containing $8,000 in a parking lot and noted that was a different situation, adding, "Now that is something you turn in, not $30 found inside a Walmart."
Another commenter imagined a store announcement that might have been made had the money been handed to employees: "ATTENTION SHOPPERS! $30 HAS BEEN FOUND. IF IT BELONGS TO YOU, PLEASE COME GET IT..."
"What's the crime lmao?" asked another user.
The jokes extended to an unrelated police post about a shooting, where one commenter wrote sarcastically, "I'm just thankful you guys captured that old man who found $30. I'm sleeping a bit more soundly knowing people aren't out there just finding money like a bunch of savages."
Man Returns Money, Victim Declines to Pursue Charges
Police later announced that the man had returned the money to its owner. The person who reported the incident initially wanted to pursue charges but changed their mind after getting the $30 back, according to the department.
Georgia law addresses lost or mislaid property, making it a crime to knowingly keep such property without first taking reasonable steps to return it to its owner.