Woman Caught Shoplifting At—Wait for It— Walmart ‘Shop With A Cop’ Event

A 62-year-old woman was charged with retail fraud after she allegedly tried to steal about $730 worth of merchandise in the presence of 70 cops at a Michigan Walmart.

A 62-year-old woman was arrested December 2 by Michigan State Police after she was allegedly caught stealing in Walmart—at the worst possible time.

The arrest was made when the retail store in Genoa Township was hosting its “Shop With A Cop” event. According to WWJ 950 Newsradio, the woman attempted to steal over $700 worth of merchandise while the store was filled with MSP troopers and other local officers.

Cops were made aware of the alleged thief after a Walmart employee caught her and complained to one of the troopers.

About 75 officials participated in this year’s “Shop With A Cop” event. Walmart hosts the event for local children to partner up with a police officer and enjoy a shopping spree for themselves and family, sponsored by local businesses. “For many, they would not have a holiday celebration without the Shop with a Cop Event,” MSP officials said.

The trooper had to leave his shopping buddy with another police officer to handle the matter. The official tracked the woman to the parking lot.

“Ironically, the suspect had parked her vehicle next to all the patrol vehicles of the police officers participating in the event,” MSP officials said in a press release. According to Fox News Detroit, the woman attempted to stuff her car with nearly $730 of stolen groceries and clothes she packed in a cart before making a run for it through self-checkout.

“I do have to say it surprised me because when I’m driving a patrol car, people slow down,” Michigan State Police Lt. Rene Gonzalez said. “When you see 75 cops in the store, I mean, I don’t know if maybe they thought we were too busy.”

The woman was arrested and transported to Livingston County Jail. The unidentified suspect bonded out but has been charged with retail fraud.