Police refer two adults with severe disabilities to prosecutors for sharing a 1,500-won ice cream

Police in Busan referred two adults in their 30s with severe developmental disabilities to prosecutors on aggravated theft charges after the pair shared a single 1,500-won ice cream at a convenience store without paying, it has emerged.

According to the Busanjin Police Station, the two individuals — identified only as A and another person, both adults with developmental disabilities — shared an ice cream at a Busan convenience store on June 10 without paying for it.

After the incident, their guardians apologized to the store owner and paid 100,000 won ($66) in compensation. The store owner indicated he did not wish to press charges.

Police determined that the two had committed the theft together and applied aggravated theft charges before referring the case to prosecutors. The charge applies when two or more people jointly steal another person's property.

Prosecutors opted not to indict the pair, citing the absence of any prior criminal record, a settlement reached with the victim, and the victim's stated wish not to see them punished.

The families of the two are reportedly planning to file a complaint against the investigating officer on charges of abuse of authority.