CALLAWAY — For the second time in as many days, deputies have arrested a door-to-door salesman.
Mardo Soo, 24, was jailed Tuesday night after he raised the suspicions of his potential customers, according to Bay County Sheriff’s Office records. Soo was arrested the day after his friend, Lauri Luden, 20, was arrested for peddling without a permit.
According to records, deputies talked to Soo at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday after a homeowner reported that he had opened a screen door to knock on the interior door, which opened as a result. Soo stood outside the door yelling “hello.” The deputy suggested Soo not open any doors and let homeowners come to the door on their own if he wanted to avoid problems in the future.
Soo also was warned about the restrictions of the peddler’s permit he had, including the hours he was allowed to operate. Peddling is permitted between 9 a.m. and up to 30 minutes before sunset. Soo told the deputy he was done for the day anyway, because he had to go pick up his friend at the Bay County Jail.
It was almost 8 p.m., and Soo and the deputy were both driving with their headlights on when they met the second time. Soo was walking with another man who is not identified in the report, though the report says Soo’s companion was the same man who had been arrested for peddling without a proper permit. The two men approached the deputy, and Soo asked what he had done this time.
The deputy pointed out that it was well past sunset, and Soo must have noticed because he was driving with his headlights on. Soo again said he was done for the day and got in his car to go home.
The deputy spoke with his supervisor, who said Soo should be arrested, so the deputy went to Soo’s address and arrested him for violating the restrictions of his permit.
Both men pleaded to the charges. The details of their sentences are not clear.