http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story &cid=816&e=2&u=/ap/20040708/ap_on_fe_st/sock_thief

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A man accused of grabbing a 9-year-old boy, carrying him behind a Kroger store and stealing his socks has been arrested on kidnapping and robbery charges.

Maurice C. Teague told officers he has more than 500 pairs of children's socks.

Investigating officers said they couldn't confirm the number but said they found "a lot" of socks at Teague's home, police spokeswoman Sherry Mercurio said on Tuesday.

Police said Teague, 28, accosted the boy Friday evening and dropped a piece of identification as he fled. They arrested him at his home on Sunday, Mercurio said. He's jailed on $75,000 bond.

"It's odd, obviously — someone going after little boys' socks," Detective Guy Patete said.

Police said the child was on his way home from the grocery around 6:30 p.m. when Teague asked to buy his socks for $5. The boy refused again when Teague offered him $10, and Teague picked him up, ran behind the store and pulled the boy's shoes and socks off his feet.

Police said the boy picked up Teague's identification and his mother called police. Teague, who has no criminal record, at first denied the account but then admitted grabbing the boy, police said.