LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with thefts at Lowe’s and Aldi in California on June 18, 2026.
Deputies responded to Lowe’s in the 45000 block of Worth Avenue at approximately 1:39 p.m. after a report of shoplifting. Investigators determined that a male subject had placed various tools and equipment into a shopping cart and left the store without paying. Store asset protection staff later reported that the same individual had stolen a toolkit and nail gun during a separate incident on June 14. In both cases, the suspect was seen leaving in a black BMW coupe.
Later that afternoon, at about 2:24 p.m., a deputy responded to Aldi in the 44000 block of Oak Crest Road for another theft report. A subject had loaded multiple food and household items into a cart and left without paying, again departing in a black BMW.
A patrol deputy located the vehicle near the 23000 block of Mervell Dean Road in Hollywood and attempted a traffic stop. The driver initially pulled over but then continued southbound briefly before stopping. Deputies found merchandise stolen from both Lowe’s and Aldi in the vehicle’s trunk.
The passenger, Keon Rondell Mathis, 35, of Clinton, was arrested and charged with a theft scheme valued between $1,500 and less than $25,000 and two counts of theft valued between less than $100 and under $1,500.
The driver, Christopher Lamontai Smith, 32, of Suitland, was arrested and charged with two counts of theft valued between at least $100 and less than $1,500 and one count of fleeing and eluding.
At the request of Aldi management, the recovered food and household items were donated to a local food bank.
The investigation remains ongoing.
