Shoplifted candlelight steak dinner foiled

Two weeks after he was released on bond for aggravated assault, authorities say Dannial Ashley walked out of a southwest Florida supermarket with the makings of a romantic dinner. The problem: He didn't pay for the four steaks and two candles stuffed down his pants.

Ashley, 31, of the 11400 block of Whistlers Cove Boulevard, East Naples, was arrested by Collier County sheriff's deputies Tuesday near the 4800 block of Golden Gate Parkway. He faces a single charge of retail theft of under $100.



Ashley was spotted by grocery store employees putting two packages containing two steaks each into his pants before leaving the store, a sheriff's report said. One employee stopped Ashley, who then removed the steaks and candles from his pants and fled on foot, the report said.

The employee chased Ashley and convinced him to return to the store. Deputies later arrested him and returned the steaks and candles to the store. Ashley is classified as a career criminal by the Sheriff's Office.