Police: Man Caught With Heroin at Fairlawn Walmart

A small-time theft quickly turned into a felony drug arrest after a man was allegedly found with stolen merchandise, heroin and a hypodermic needle at the Fairlawn Walmart on Feb. 7.

Security reportedly spotted William F. Johnson, 53, of Stow, stealing a pair of boots from the men's shoe department, and stopped him as he tried to flee the store. 

Officers arrived on scene, searched Johnson's pockets and found three small packets of powder that tested positive for heroin, according to the Fairlawn police report. 

When police searched his car, they found a syringe loaded with drugs. 

Johnson was charged with possession of drugs, a fifth-degree felony; theft, a first-degree misdemeanor; and possession of drug abuse instruments, a fourth-degree misdemeanor. 

Johnson is being held at Summit County Jail and is awaiting trial.