MOBILE, Ala. — A Wilmer man is facing burglary, retail theft and stolen property charges after Mobile police said they found him with a stolen vehicle while responding to a reported burglary in progress on Taurus Drive on Sunday, Nov. 8.
Joseph Smith, 29, of Wilmer, was charged with two counts of organized retail theft, one count of third-degree burglary and one count of first-degree receiving stolen property, according to the Mobile Police Department. He also faces a misdemeanor trespassing charge. Police said Smith was already wanted for stealing items earlier this month from the Walmart at 101 E. I-65 Service Road South.
Burglary Call on Taurus Drive
According to the Mobile Police Department, officers were called to the 4200 block of Taurus Drive at about 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, after a report of a burglary in progress.
When officers arrived, they said they found two men at the location. One of the men ran from the area, police said. The other man, later identified as Smith, was taken into custody on the spot.
Police said the vehicle Smith had was listed as stolen. The department has not said where or when the vehicle was reported stolen, and it has not released information about the second man who ran away, including whether he has been identified.
- Date and time: About 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
- Location: 4200 block of Taurus Drive, Mobile
- Person charged: Joseph Smith, 29, of Wilmer
- Second man: Police said a second man ran from the location
- Related case: Smith was wanted for taking items earlier in November from the Walmart at 101 E. I-65 Service Road South
- Custody: Taken to Mobile County Metro Jail
The Charges Explained
Smith faces five counts in total, four of them felonies and one a misdemeanor. Here is a general overview of what the charges mean under Alabama law:
- Organized retail theft (two counts): Alabama law treats organized retail theft as a separate offense from ordinary shoplifting. It generally applies to the theft of retail merchandise from stores with the intent to resell or distribute it, or to thefts carried out as part of a coordinated effort. Police connected these counts to the earlier theft at the Walmart.
- Third-degree burglary (one count): In Alabama, third-degree burglary involves knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully in a building with the intent to commit a crime inside. It is a Class C felony.
- First-degree receiving stolen property (one count): This charge involves knowingly receiving, keeping or disposing of stolen property. Under Alabama law, it applies to higher-value property, including stolen motor vehicles, and is a Class B felony.
- Trespassing (one count): Police listed this charge as a misdemeanor. Criminal trespass under Alabama law generally involves knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on someone else’s property or premises.
Police have not released the details of what was allegedly taken from the Walmart, the value of the items or what happened at the Taurus Drive location. Smith is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.
What Happens Next in the Case
Police said Smith was taken to Mobile County Metro Jail, where people arrested on felony charges in Mobile are typically booked. Police described the investigation as still active. A judge sets bond conditions, and the case then moves through the court system, which can include a preliminary hearing in district court and review by a Mobile County grand jury, which decides whether to return an indictment on felony charges.
Online jail and court records may show Smith’s bond status and upcoming court dates as the case progresses. South Alabama News will update this story if police release more information about the second man or the investigation.
Retail Theft and Stolen Vehicles in the Mobile Area
Retail theft and stolen vehicles have been recurring issues for law enforcement across Mobile County. In recent weeks, Mobile police have reported several cases involving stolen vehicles, including foot pursuits after stolen-vehicle stops and a stolen vehicle that turned up in the parking lot of a Mobile police precinct.
Police regularly encourage vehicle owners to lock their doors, take keys and key fobs with them, avoid leaving vehicles running unattended and keep valuables out of sight. Recording a vehicle’s VIN and license plate number in a safe place can also help officers if a vehicle is stolen.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about the burglary on Taurus Drive, the man who ran from officers or the earlier theft at the Walmart is asked to contact the Mobile Police Department. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Mobile County Crime Stoppers at 251-208-7000 or with the P3 Tips mobile app.
Wilmer, where Smith is from, is an unincorporated community in western Mobile County near the Mississippi state line.
