Atlanta Detective Accused of Stealing Beer, Fleeing in Undercover Vehicle

An off-duty Atlanta detective has been arrested and placed on non-enforcement duty after allegedly stealing a $19 pack of beer from a Publix grocery store and using his undercover department vehicle to flee. The incident occurred on September 16 in Canton, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Ronald Sluss, an Atlanta Police Department detective, was reportedly seen on surveillance footage carrying a 12-pack of SweetWater IPA through the checkout area of the store while appearing to hold a receipt. The store manager became suspicious after Sluss allegedly proceeded through the checkout without paying. The manager followed Sluss into the parking lot and took a photo of his vehicle.

Initially, authorities were unaware the vehicle was an official police car due to its undercover status. However, after tracing the truck back to the Atlanta Police Department, supervisors identified Sluss as the individual involved. Upon confronting Sluss at his home, arresting deputies noted a strong odor of alcohol emanating from him and his vehicle.

The Atlanta Police Department stated that they take all allegations of misconduct seriously and expect officers to uphold the highest professional standards. Sluss remains employed by the department but is no longer assigned to field duties while the office of professional standards conducts its investigation.

Customers at the Publix expressed surprise at the allegations. "That's crazy. I mean, what else could you think?" one shopper told WSBTV. Another commented, "I would think he would know what he did is a bad idea."