BELFAST – A Searsmont man was arrested on theft and drug charges this weekend after allegedly shoplifting items from a local jewelry store.

Kane Ackley, 20, of Searsmont was charged with theft and possession of marijuana after his arrest at approximately 12:30 p.m. Saturday. He was booked at the Waldo County Jail and released.

Police Chief Jeffrey Trafton said an employee of Bennett’s Gems and Minerals on Searsport Avenue called authorities at 12:25 p.m. to report that a male customer was observed stashing items in his pockets before leaving the store. The clerk took down the alleged thief’s auto registration number and relayed it to police.

Belfast patrolman Bryan Cunningham and Waldo County Deputy Sheriff Merl Reed were both in the vicinity and intercepted the vehicle as it was leaving town.

Trafton said $168 worth of items taken from the store and a quantity of marijuana were found on Ackley’s person when police made the arrest.