Man gets arrested thrice in 14 hours

Annapolis, Md. -- Police say a Maryland man was arrested three times in 14 hours, for an open container of beer, trying to steal a bicycle and failing to pay in a restaurant.

After the third arrest, David Hillman of Annapolis was charged with theft and jailed in lieu of $3,500 bail, the Baltimore Sun reported.

Hillman's alleged crime spree began late Monday when a cab driver brought him to the police station complaining that Hillman refused to pay. The fare dispute was resolved but Hillman was cited for the beer.

At 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, police caught him allegedly trying to steal a bike from the police garage. He was charged with theft and released.

Just after noon, Andrew Ackerman of Buddy's Crabs and Ribs complained that a man had refused to pay for soup and a soda and simply sat outside eating.

Ackerman said he hated to get someone in trouble over $5 but did not want anyone to start thinking Buddy's was supplying free lunches.

When police arrived, they found Hillman again.

"Most people have enough sense to avoid police after one incident ... at least for a little while," said Officer Hal Dalton.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.