A St. Joseph man has been charged for a Walmart robbery involving a knife the day before Thanksgiving.

Jerry D. Grippando, 32 was charged  Monday with a felony for 2nd degree Robbery stemming from an incident that took place Nov. 25th at the South Belt Walmart.

“The defendant entered Walmart and concealed chainsaw bars and blades in his jacket,” Det. Jason Norton with the St. Joseph Police Department said in court documents. “The defendant was confronted by Walmart Asset Protection Associates.  The defendant used his right hand to pull a folding knife from his pocket.  He used his thumb to open the knife exposing the blade.  The Asset Protection Associates stepped back upon seeing the knife and they were prevented from apprehending the defendant or retrieving all of the stolen items.”

Court documents said Grippando made off with items valued at around $139.84.

Norton said Grippando was on probation for dist/del/manuf of a controlled substance and stealing at the time and has convictions for forgery, domestic assault, assault on a law enforcement officer, non support and stealing.

Bond has been set at $7,500 for Grippando with the condition he not be allowed to enter any Wal-Mart.  Arraignment is set for Jan. 5.