Caught in the act: Police chief steals windshield

'I messed up,' he tells judge; mistakes included being in uniform

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updated 9:52 a.m. ET Oct. 11, 2006

FLORENCE, S.C. - A small town police chief has been charged with stealing a windshield from a golf cart -- while wearing his uniform.

Police Chief Mike McDonald of Lamar turned himself in to police on Tuesday to face the charges of larceny and misconduct in office. He was released on $1,000 bail.

"I messed up, your honor," McDonald said at his bond hearing. "It's embarrassing for my position."

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"I know the news media is here, and they're going to have a field day with it," the chief said.

McDonald was in uniform when he took the windshield from a golf cart at a used car lot in Darlington in August, Darlington Police Lt. Danny Watson said.

An employee said the cart was chained to a pole when the windshield was taken.

McDonald did not give investigators any explanation, Watson said.

McDonald returned the windshield, valued at $80, authorities said. The town, about 20 miles from Florence in northeastern South Carolina, placed him on administrative leave, Mayor Bobby Hudson said.