SALEM - Two Massachusetts men are probably rethinking calling a cab to pick them up after a shopping trip: Police say that the duo called a cab after shoplifting beer and diapers, and the taxi driver refused to help them make their getaway, deserting them in a parking lot.

Police said about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, they were called to Walmart for a pair of shoplifters who took four cases of beer, two cases of diapers and a case of baby formula. The men tried to flee in a taxi, but the cab driver refused to take them, according to a press release.

Both ran off in different directions, but an officer caught up to one of them, identified by police as Shaun Klier, 29, of Lawrence, Mass., in the lot at the Hess gas station, while another officer located the second man, identified as John Murphy, 46, of Lawrence, in the Planet Fitness lot.

Klier is charged with theft and a probation violation. He refused bail.

Murphy is charged with theft, false reports to law enforcement for allegedly lying to police about his identity and resisting arrest. His bail was set at $620 cash.

It was the second time in 3 1/2 hours that police were called to Walmart for a shoplifter. Just after 4 p.m., police arrested Shaun Maher, 30, of Nashua, on a felony theft charge and false reports to law enforcment for allegedly lying about his identity

Police said Maher tried to steal a 40-inch flat panel TV valued at $548 but was stopped by store personnel. He allegedly fled in a car which was later stopped on Route 111 in Windham.

The theft charge is a felony because of Maher’s past theft convictions, police said.