Police: Man tried to hide heroin in baby's pants

NEW CASTLE, Del. (WPVI) -- Police say a man about to be arrested on theft charges tried to hide heroin in his baby's pants as he was confronted by police.

Michael Penn, 25, of the unit block of Birkshire Road in New Castle, Delaware, was arrested on Tuesday.

Investigators say it all began on Sunday after police were contacted about a recent theft that was discovered at the New Castle Verizon store.

The theft happened in late June, police said, and surveillance video showed the suspect, identified as Penn, stealing a Samsung tablet and another item.

After police identified Penn as their suspect, they found him with his three children - carrying his 8-month-old and a 5-year-old, with his 7-year-old riding a bike next to him.

Police say the officers told Penn to put the children down, and he refused.

Meanwhile, police say, Penn was seen putting something down the 8-month-old's pants.

Officers took Penn into custody, and allegedly found 16 bags of heroin in that baby's pants.

Penn is facing a list of charges including Shoplifting, three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Penn was released on $4,500.00 unsecured bond.

The children were turned over to Penn's Grandmother and, police say, the Division of Family Services will be notified.