LOWER EAST SIDE — A man ran under an electronic gate as it was closing to steal from a local liquor store earlier this week, but was unable to get out before officers found him inside with a $20 bill in his sock, police said.
Jermal James, 28, entered Loon Chun Liquor Inc. on Pitt Street near Delancey Street on Monday at 11:45 p.m. while its owner was closing for the night, police said.
James pulled $2,100 from the register as well as $18.20 worth of liquor from a nearby counter, according to the NYPD. He stuffed the bottles in his pockets but then took them out and placed them on the counter next to the register and the cash.
After an unsuccessful attempt to reopen the register, James took a $20 bill from the stack of cash, placed it in his sock and tried to escape but wasn't able to because the gate was closed, police said.
Officers found James in the store with the bill in his sock and the cash and bottles on the counter, according to the NYPD.
The owner of Loon Chung Liquor Inc. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
James was charged with burglary, according to a criminal complaint from the Manhattan District Attorney's office. His bail was set at $2,500 cash or $5,000 bond and he is due back in court on Aug. 14.
James’ attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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