A group of alleged Nintendo enthusiasts took “leveling up” a bit too literally when deputies say three men coordinated a high-dollar video-game heist at the Summerfield Walmart — slipping open a locked cabinet, stuffing backpacks full of Switch titles, and breezing past checkout with smiles like they just unlocked a secret world.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, loss prevention at the US 441 Walmart noticed something off around 1:30 p.m. when three men lingered in the electronics section, paying very close attention to the Nintendo display case. The cabinet — normally only opened by employees — somehow popped open after the trio worked their fingers through the glass seams.
Once open, deputies say it turned into a speed-grab. In just a few minutes, the group packed a backpack with $2,569 worth of games, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing, Luigi’s Mansion 3, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and several new releases.
Video shows the trio leaving through the general merchandise exit, backpacks bulging. Reportedly, two of the suspects even grinned at each other as they walked out.
The three then climbed into a dark blue sedan and headed north.
Deputies later identified the primary suspect as Christian Alejandro Villamarin Palacios, 20, of Orlando, along with accomplices identified through store photos and statewide databases. Investigators said the same group hit another Walmart on East Silver Springs Boulevard less than two hours later, taking an additional $2,412 in merchandise.
Villamarin Palacios now faces multiple felony charges including burglary, grand theft between $750 and $5,000, retail theft of over $750 from multiple locations, and coordinating with others to commit retail theft. All charges carry no bond.
Deputies noted that no damage was done to the case — the suspects simply slipped their hands through the gap and unlocked it.
