Man Caught Trying to Steal His Girlfriend a Gift

And who said romance is dead?

A 34-year-old Greendale man is facing charges after he was caught allegedly trying to steal his girlfriend a birthday present from a West Allis grocery store.

Michael J. Ostoich was charged in Milwaukee County Circuit Court Monday with one count of retail theft. If convicted, he faces up to nine months in prison and $10,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint:

Ostoich was spotted by a security officer Saturday inside Pick ‘n Save, 2625 S. 108th St., taking several cases of makeup, then stuffing them inside pockets on his cargo shorts. After concealing several makeup items, Ostoich left the store, but was followed by the security worker.

In the parking lot the security officer tried to stop Ostoich, but he drove out of the lot, tossing the makeup out the window once he left the parking lot. He was later pulled over in Greendale.

Ostoich admitted to trying to steal the makeup items so he could give them to his girlfriend for her birthday. He told police officers he “shouldn’t have done it,” then admitted to having a heroin problem.

He will make his initial appearance in court Friday.