Police officer, wife charged in theft from Wal-Mart

A Baltimore police officer and his wife were charged in the attempted theft of more than $1,100 in items from a Wal-Mart store in Owings Mills this week, authorities said yesterday.

Store security guards stopped the officer, Robert H. Gordon, 44, and Daniella Gordon, 40, outside the store after watching them leaving with the items, Baltimore County police said. The couple had purchased about $150 worth of goods - mostly household items such as cleaning supplies, clothing and food - and tried to hide other items beneath the ones they had bought, according to Bill Toohey, a Baltimore County police spokesman.

Store security called county police, who arrested the Baltimore County residents and charged them with theft of goods valued over $500. Both were released on their own recognizance, according to electronic court records. Their trial is scheduled for April 28.

Nicole Monroe, a city police spokeswoman, said Robert Gordon, a 16-year veteran, has been suspended.