"Convenience Store Long-Haired Robber" Who Stole 50,000 Won Worth of Groceries Finds New Hope with Police Help

After Urgent Arrest at Studio Apartment, Police Fed Him Porridge
Guided Him to Welfare Programs Instead of Seeking a Warrant

It has been reported that a man in his 50s, who was suffering from extreme financial hardship and committed a crime out of desperation, is now finding hope in life thanks to the help of the police. On October 27, Yonhap News introduced the story of Mr. A, a man in his 50s who fled without paying for about 50,000 won worth of groceries at a convenience store in Ochang-eup, Cheongju.

At the time of arrest, he was severely emaciated and lying on the bed, and when the detectives supported him, he was so weak that he collapsed. The detectives immediately fed Mr A rice porridge and took him to the hospital, where they paid out of pocket for him to receive nutritional IV fluids. Photo by Cheongju Cheongwon Police Station

Previously, on October 22, Mr. A reportedly asked employee Ms. B, also in her 50s, at the counter, "I'm hungry. Can I pay tomorrow?" but was refused. He then opened his jacket to show a knife he had inside, and without saying anything, left the store carrying a bag of groceries. After receiving the report, the police analyzed CCTV footage and urgently arrested Mr. A at a nearby studio apartment at around 9:35 a.m. on October 25. At the time of arrest, he was severely emaciated and lying on the bed, and it was reported that he was so weak that he collapsed when the detectives supported him. The detectives immediately fed Mr. A porridge and then transferred him to the hospital, where they paid out of pocket for nutritional IV fluids.

After Mr. A's family refused to take him in, the police purchased groceries such as eggs, instant rice, and ramen at a supermarket and gave them to him, then helped him return home. Mr. A reportedly told the detectives at the time, "I was so hungry because I hadn't eaten for nearly ten days. I had no intention of harming anyone." As a day laborer, he had been out of work since July and was suffering from severe financial difficulties. He had taken out a bank loan to cover living expenses, but his account was seized due to overdue payments. In addition, he was completely unaware of welfare programs such as basic living security or emergency livelihood support, so he had not even applied for them.

The police considered requesting an arrest warrant for Mr. A, given that he used a weapon and fled the scene. However, taking into account that he had no prior convictions and that the crime was committed out of extreme financial distress, they decided to investigate him without detention. On this day, the police visited the Ochang-eup Administrative Welfare Center to help Mr. A receive benefits from welfare programs such as basic living security and plan to discuss practical livelihood support measures, including job placement assistance.