CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — An Atlanta police detective is off the streets and under internal investigation after authorities say he shoplifted beer from a Publix in Cherokee County while driving an undercover police vehicle.
According to an arrest report from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the Publix on Hickory Flat Highway in Canton on Sept. 16 after store employees reported a man leaving without paying for a 12-pack of SweetWater IPA beer valued at $18.99.
Investigators say surveillance video showed the suspect, later identified as Ronald Sluss, carrying the beer through an unattended checkout area.
According to the report, Sluss appeared to notice a store manager watching him, changed direction, then walked through the self-checkout area while holding what appeared to be a receipt before leaving the store without paying.
Store security cameras captured the incident, according to deputies.
During the investigation, Cherokee County deputies learned Sluss was employed by the Atlanta Police Department. Investigators say Atlanta police supervisors reviewed a photo of the suspect and confirmed he was Detective Ronald Sluss. Authorities also determined the vehicle he drove away in was an Atlanta Police undercover truck.
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Deputies later obtained an arrest warrant charging Sluss with theft by shoplifting.
When investigators and Atlanta police supervisors arrived at Sluss’ home, authorities say he was sitting on his front porch. According to the report, after speaking with an Atlanta police major, Sluss placed his hands behind his back before being arrested.
Investigators said Sluss declined to discuss the case after being advised of his rights.
While searching the undercover police vehicle, deputies reported finding two Publix receipts related to SweetWater beer purchases. Investigators also noted a strong odor of alcohol inside the truck.
Authorities said they found a large pile of empty SweetWater beer cans and boxes inside a shed near where the vehicle was parked.
The Atlanta Police Department released a statement saying it is aware of Sluss’ off-duty arrest.
The department said Sluss has been relieved of duty and placed in a non-enforcement status pending the outcome of an internal investigation.
“The Atlanta Police Department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously, and officers are expected to abide by the highest standards of our profession,” the department said.
Sluss was transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center following his arrest.
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