Hayes could now see the thief more clearly. It was a young man, probably in his early twenties, with a messy appearance that suggested he had fallen on hard times. The man pulled several items from the box, examining them with a mix of relief and desperation.
Hayes could tell the man was in need, but he knew that theft was theft and the law had to be enforced. Taking a deep breath, Hayes moved forward, making his presence known by the crunch of leaves under his feet.