Man Steals Perfumes, Then a Car, Police Say

A 54-year-old Oak Creek man with a history of trying to steal fragrances from stores is now accused of stealing more from a Milwaukee store, then losing his keys and stealing a pizza delivery car.

Daniel Roger Wichgers was charged Friday in Milwaukee County Circuit Court with retail theft and operating a motor vehicle without consent. If convicted, he faces up to 18 months in prison and $20,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

At 1:50 p.m. Saturday, a security officer at Kohl’s, 3737 S. 27th St., saw Wichgers enter the store, stuff $241 worth of fragrances into a plastic bag and walk out the door without paying. At 3:27 p.m., Wichgers entered the store again, grabbed another $193 in fragrances and again walked out without paying, but this time was confronted by a security officer.

Wichgers fled the scene, but dropped his car keys. The security officer saw Wichgers get into a car, realize he didn't have his keys, get out of the car and run off.

While Milwaukee police officers were investigating the incident, they were called at 4:27 p.m. to Marshall's, 3545 S. 27th St. A Pizza Hut delivery driver said he parked his 2012 Toyota Prius out front and left it idling while delivering pizza to the store, and when he came back out, the car was gone.

Kohl's employees saw Wichgers drive back to the store in the Prius, park it partially in a fire lane, then get out and get into his own car and take off.

Wichgers was apprehended by officers and admitted stealing items from Kohl's, saying he is diabetic and needs money for medication.

Wichgers admitted taking the Prius after realizing his keys were missing. He said he drove to a friend's house to get a spare and then came back. He also admitted to tossing a GPS out the window because he was afraid they would be able to track the car.

Wichgers is currently free on a $200 signature bond while awaiting trial.