Hot Day, Cool Appliance, Cold Cuffs

It was hot Monday. So was the air conditioner that a Farmington man allegedly tried to shoplift at Sears, said.

When Andrew S. Baronski was caught by store security, he gave an alias, police said. He picked Thomas Vanderham, also the name of a professional mountain bike rider of worldwide renown for daring stunts on two wheels.

Baronski’s alleged trick involved a four-wheel shopping cart. The cart was loaded with a $250 Kenmore air conditioner and a $110 Sharp microwave oven, police said. Neither item was paid for before Baronski exited the New Britain Avenue store, police said.

Police said Baronski gave security an alias because he didn’t think police would become involved. Vanderham, 26, and Baronski share a facial resemblance, but the reason for choosing a Vanderham alias was unknown.

Baronski, 24, of 98 Wellington Drive in Farmington, was taken into custody by West Hartford police at 11:20 a.m. He was cooperative with police about his real identity, the arresting officer said.

Baronski was charged with sixth-degree larceny and released on a promise to appear June 6 in Hartford Community Court.

He also was barred from returning to Sears.