Altoona, Pennsylvania: Local Man Arrested for Attempting to Steal Giant Pumpkin from Supermarket

Altoona, Pennsylvania: Local Man Nabbed in Giant Pumpkin Theft AttemptAltoona, Pennsylvania: Local Man Nabbed in Giant Pumpkin Theft Attempt In a bizarre incident that has left residents scratching their heads, a local man was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, for attempting to steal an excessively large pumpkin from a supermarket. According to witnesses, 37-year-old Frank “Big Frank” Simpson was spotted browsing the produce section of Giant Eagle when he became fixated on a colossal 250-pound pumpkin. Surveillance footage captured the moment when Simpson, with a determined glint in his eye, attempted to discreetly roll the massive gourd under his cart. “It was like something out of a cartoon,” said a shopper who witnessed the incident. “He thought he could just sneak it out unnoticed.” However, store employees were quick to apprehend Simpson as he made his escape with the stolen pumpkin in tow. Police arrived shortly after and charged him with larceny and criminal trespass. “We’re all familiar with people shoplifting small items, but this is the first time we’ve ever seen someone try to walk out with a pumpkin this size,” said Sergeant James McCarthy of the Altoona Police Department. Simpson, who initially claimed the pumpkin was “just a prop” for his Halloween display, later admitted to his grand theft ambitions. He told investigators he had planned to carve it into a giant jack-o’-lantern that would be the envy of the neighborhood. “I guess I got a little carried away,” said Simpson, who is currently being held on $5,000 bail. The fate of the stolen pumpkin remains uncertain. It is believed to be one of the largest pumpkins grown in Pennsylvania this year and could potentially fetch a hefty price at auction. Authorities are considering donating it to a local charity or using it as a centerpiece at the city’s annual Halloween festival. As for Simpson, he faces up to seven years in prison if convicted of the felony larceny charge. The incident has served as a reminder to all would-be pumpkin thieves: even the most impressive gourds are not immune to the law.