Concealing 12 inches in his pants prompts deputies to launch a manhunt

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LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) - The Polk County Sheriff's Office is searching for a sandwich thief who they say shoved a foot-long sub down his pants.

The crime happened back on Sunday, Nov. 25 at the Marathon Gas Station on Pipkin Road in Lakeland. Deputies are still searching for the man seen in surveillance footage.

According to a post on the sheriff's office Facebook page, the man went into the gas station around 8:45 p.m. and concealed a foot-long sandwich in the front of his pants.

"Now, stop right there. We know what you are thinking. Please resist - this is a respectable Facebook page. We are just reporting the facts," the sheriff's office wrote. "Too bad it wasn't a hot sandwich - that would have provided instant Karma to the pilferer."

Deputies say the man then bought a Polar Pop and left without paying for the sandwich. He rode away on a bike.

"We hope to identify this suspect so he can be caught and pay for his crime," the sheriff's office said. "This should also serve as notice to all as to why you do not take food from a stranger. You don't know where it's been."