A bottle of Dr. Pepper is what ultimately landed a Thunderbird Farms man in jail earlier this month.  

As a woman “caused a disturbance” inside Walmart, store employees recognized the man with her as a previous shoplifter from just days earlier, according to a probable cause statement. 

A security guard recognized 46-year-old Jason Bayt by his facial tattoos on Sept. 3 and contacted police. According to security, Bayt shoplifted approximately $78 in merchandise by switching tags on several items so he could pay a lower price on Aug. 31.  

On this second visit, Bayt allegedly stole a Dr. Pepper valued at $2.58. 

The couple was found 15 minutes later at Slim Chickens where Bayt was in the bathroom, according to the probable cause statement. 

When Bayt was searched for the stolen items, police also found a small bag of methamphetamine in his cargo pants pocket. 

Bayt was arrested and booked into Pinal County Jail on suspicion of shoplifting, dangerous drug possession and drug paraphernalia possession.