A CHICKASHA man was arrested today after allegedly stealing a chainsaw from a hardware store by hiding it down the front of his shorts, KFOR reported.

Police said 21-year-old Anthony Darren Black also stole a dog collar from the Ross Seed Company, and appeared intoxicated.

One staff member noticed the strange way Mr Black was walking, but assumed he was handicapped.

"I felt sorry for him. I thought the gentleman was crippled," said Richard Largent.

But other employees noticed the chainsaw and chased Mr Black until he dived into a creek - where police arrested him. He was charged with a number of offenses.

Originally published as 'Thief shoved chainsaw down his shorts'