The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - A former Salvation Army worker was arrested Friday and charged with stealing thousands of dollars worth of Christmas toys for the needy from the charity's warehouse.

A man later identified as Orville S. Walters Jr. had returned black plastic garbage bags containing some of the toys on Thursday, police said.

On Friday, police arrested Mr. Walters at the public defender's office after getting a call from at least one television station that Mr. Walters could be found there, police said. Helene Kramer, a police spokeswoman, said Mr. Walters apparently arranged his surrender after a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Some 2,000 toys had been stolen from a warehouse in downtown Louisville, Jim Garrett of the Salvation Army said. They were discovered missing Wednesday.

The stolen toys were estimated to be worth $30,000.