Man tried to steal $20,000 painting from auction, police say

A man tried leaving an auction with a painting that later sold for $20,000, police said.

Derek Michael Begay tried to steal a painting from a Mesa auction Jan. 26. He said the painting was of his grandfather and belonged to his family,  KNXV reported.

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Begay, 33, was asked to leave the event several times. He grabbed the painting and ran toward the door but was caught by police, KNXV reported.

Begay was charged with theft and criminal trespassing, according to court records.

The painting later sold for $20,000.

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