MATTHEWS, N.C. — A 35-year-old man is facing charges after police said he has been involved in several thefts and fraud cases stemming from the Costco in Matthews.
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Daniel Gene Pelland stole wallets from women’s purses in at least three incidents at the wholesale store, and he is also accused of making fraudulent purchases, police said.
Police said they are now searching for Pelland, who is charged with three counts of larceny, three counts of financial card theft and five counts of financial card fraud.
Pelland has been arrested 10 times in the past three years in Mecklenburg County.
Some charges in those arrests are similar to the ones he faces now. He was also arrested for assault by strangulation.
Police said Pelland watches for distracted shoppers who have an open purse in a shopping cart.
In one case, Pelland targeted a woman who left her purse unattended for nearly a minute while she put items in her car.
Police have been investigating the cases at Costcos over the past few weeks.
"Yeah, I mean, everyone is distracted right now,” shopper Krystal Tonning said. “People are shopping for the holidays and looking for gifts -- distractions everywhere."
Matthews police it's an ideal environment for Pelland.
Security cameras have captured Pelland, who appeared to be on a phone when he stole a wallet from an open purse.
(Daniel Gene Pelland)
"I think it's a pretty crummy thing for somebody to do," shopper Sharon Winstead said.
After Pelland stole wallets from Costco, he would use the stolen credit cards to buy items, police said
Police said they want shoppers to watch out for their purses and be aware of their surroundings.
Call 911 if you have any information about Pelland.
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