A 20-year-old Red Hill man, who stands accused of stealing a TV from an Upper Hanover store, got more than he bargained for when he came back to allegedly steal more electronics Dec. 14.  He ran into several members of the Upper Perk Police force as they shopped for Christmas gifts with local children in need.

        Griffin Diehl, of the 500 block of Adams Street, was charged Dec. 28 with misdemeanor theft, stolen property and retail theft after state police said he stole a 32-inch Sharp TV from Walmart in the 600 block of Gravel Pike.

        That theft, around 12:30 p.m., was witnessed by the store's loss prevention team.  According to associates, Diehl removed the TV from the shelf and walked over to the automotive department, where he waited for staff to leave, before fleeing the store.  He was reportedly seen leaving the scene in a blue Chevrolet 1500 pickup.

        Police said around 6 p.m. the same day, Diehl was seen walking into the store again and proceeded directly to the electronics department.  He reportedly tried to steal another 32-inch Sharp TV, but was intercepted by Cpl. James Lavin of Upper Perk Police.

        Police were in the middle of their annual "Shop With a Cop" event where police officers partner with economically disadvantaged children from Upper Perkiomen schools to pick out gifts for the holidays.

        Diehl, who owns a blue 1999 Chevrolet pickup, allegedly confessed to the first theft.  Receipts from Pottstown Cash Traders showed he sold the TV for $75 cash and used his PA driver's license for identification.

Authorities said Diehl told police he went back to steal another TV, but was confronted by Upper Perk Police.

Diehl is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in front of Judge Catherine Hummel Fried of Red Hill District Court Feb. 22.