NASHVILLE, Tenn (WZTV)  A man on the run after allegedly breaking into a Shell gas station and stealing cartons of cigarettes had the misfortune of asking an off duty Nashville Police detective for a light.

According to the arrest affidavit for 44-year-old Charles Harbin, the off duty detective was near a lumber store on Gallatin Pike Tuesday when a man asked the plain clothes detective to use his phone. The detective called the number for Harbin and became interested in what was taking place.
The detective noticed Harbin was “soaking wet” and asked Harbin if he was running from the police? Harbin allegedly responded “Hell Yea! The Police had me cornered and I had to jump in the creek!” Harbin then asked the detective for a light and asked if he wanted to buy cigarettes. Harbin then opened a black garbage bags containing cartons and packs of cigarettes along with a bundle of lottery tickets. Harbin then asked the detective for a ride, but the detective refused. Harbin then told the detective he would catch the bus and gave the detective three of the lottery tickets.
The detective called the department and found out the Shell Gas station at 1420 Gallatin Pike had been burglarized, police finding the front window smashed and missing cartons of cigarettes and lottery tickets.

The detective then called for back-up and followed Harbin to a parking lot where units converged and arrested Harbin. After being arrested, Harbin first admitted to the theft, then changed his story saying he found the garbage bag. He then allegedly told police he was on parole and “what the f*** did it matter?”

Harbin was charged with burglary and is being held at the Davidson County Jail on $50,000 bond.