Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Kevin Michael Palmgren, 39, was apprehended on Thursday for allegedly taking $1,128 worth of goods from Dick’s Sporting Goods. He’s also been linked to prior thefts at CVS and Target.
On September 25, around 9:42 a.m., the manager at Dick’s Sporting Goods (3964 Plaza Boulevard) observed Palmgren placing items into bags and exiting without payment, totaling $1,128.95. As Palmgren departed, the manager identified herself and attempted to intervene, but he reportedly continued on despite her attempts to reclaim the stolen goods. She called 911 as he left the premises. A Gainesville Police Department officer located him a block away, with the stolen merchandise recovered and returned to the store.
Previously, on June 16 at 10:30 p.m., a CVS employee at 1621 SW 13th Street reported Palmgren for placing several items into his backpack and attempting to exit without paying. A confrontation ensued as the employee tried to retrieve the goods, resulting in both parties falling to the ground. The employee managed to recover items valued at $41.84 from Palmgren’s backpack.
A witness who saw the altercation took a picture and gave it to the responding GPD officer, who recognized Palmgren from previous interactions.
On July 13, around 9:34 p.m., Palmgren reportedly visited Target (3970 SW Archer Road), selecting a backpack, an overnight bag, and various clothing items for both genders. Additionally, he gathered ball caps, bug spray, candy, and other snacks before bypassing payment points. Though confronted by the Loss Prevention Officer, he refused to return the goods or wait for police. The stolen items were valued at $752.26.
Court documents describe Palmgren as homeless, facing charges of grand theft and resisting detainment by a merchant for the Dick’s Sporting Goods incident, as well as petit theft and resisting detainment by a merchant for the CVS incident. A grand theft complaint was filed concerning the Target incident, though he hasn’t been booked for it. His criminal record spans Colorado, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, with one non-violent misdemeanor conviction in Florida. Judge Meshon Rawls set bail at $11,000.
News about arrests is sourced from law enforcement reports. The charges mentioned are from arrest documents and court files and are merely accusations. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law.
