WSU football player Drew Loftus, 19, was arrested early Friday morning on charges of third-degree theft, minor in possession of alcohol and public intoxication.

The redshirt freshman wide receiver was arrested at about 1 a.m. after allegedly shoving two bottles of tequila down his pants at Dissmore’s IGA grocery store.

Pullman police said Loftus took the two bottles from the liquor aisle and attempted to hide them in the waistband of his jeans. He then purchased some eggs from the store.

Dissmore’s employees noticed the tequila in his pants. The manager blocked him from exiting the store and notified police.

Loftus then attempted to return the tequila to the shelf, but Pullman Police Cmdr. Chris Tennant said it was too late.

“You can’t get more possession than shoving it down your pants,” Tennant said.

Loftus was exhibiting signs of intoxication while in the store, he said.

Police transported Loftus to the Pullman jail, leaving the eggs behind at Dissmore’s. He was released Friday morning without bail.

Dissmore's assistant manager Mike Rudd said while there were many liquor thefts after Initiative 1183 went into effect, they've tapered off since the installation of cameras on the aisle. Signs are clearly posted explaining that the aisle is under surveillance, Rudd said.

"As far as in general, the theft has been better than expected," he said, "Because everyone is quite aware that they’re being surveilled."

Athletics spokesman Bill Stevens said the matter will be handled internally.

This is the second arrest of a WSU football player in one week. Redshirt junior running back Leon Brooks was arrested last Sunday for driving under the influence. Brooks is scheduled for a second court appearance on Feb. 7.

Update, Feb. 1, 6:24 p.m.: Comment from athletics spokesman Bill Stevens added.
Update, Feb. 3, 4:34 p.m.: Comment from Dissmore's assistant manager Mike Rudd added.