BEDFORD – A Bedford man is facing a theft charge after allegedly taking a bottle of liquor from a local store without paying on June 21, 2025.
According to an affidavit for probable cause filed by Bedford Police Department Captain Nicholas A. Lemke, Thomas S. Bray, 63, is accused of theft.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, at approximately 11:43 a.m., officers were dispatched to Kindred Spirits regarding a male who had left the store without paying for a bottle of liquor. While officers were unable to locate him immediately, a store employee informed Captain Lemke that an older male had placed a bottle of vodka in his back pocket and left without paying.
The employee showed video surveillance to Captain Lemke, who recognized the male as Thomas Bray from previous encounters. The video reportedly showed Bray entering the store, walking to the vodka aisle, placing a 375ML bottle of Crystal Palace Vodka in his back left pocket, and concealing it with his shirt. Bray then proceeded to check out, paying for only one of the two bottles he had with him. He was then seen leaving eastbound on 7th Street on a bicycle matching one known to be used by him.
The employee stated that Bray frequently visits the store and wishes to file charges. The total value of the alleged theft, pre-tax, was $3.69.
Captain Lemke noted in the affidavit that Thomas S. Bray has a previous theft conviction, and an arrest warrant was requested for his arrest. Bray was detained on Wednesday, July 2.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
