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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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC