A woman was arrested for shoplifting from Walmart while dozens of police officers were at a Shop with Cop event, Michigan authorities said.
The event, held Saturday, Dec. 2, at Walmart in Genoa Township, was held to give children a chance to shop for themselves and their families.
“Store events with police officers are beneficial for children who may not receive presents at Christmas and who need positive support from police officers,” officials said. “Each child is paired with a local police officer and paraded with lights and sirens to Walmart, where they are given money to spend on items on their Christmas wish list and get a photo with Santa. You can take a picture.”
But Michigan State Police said the 62-year-old Haslett woman thought it was an opportunity to steal from the store.
She didn’t go far.
According to police, the woman stole $727 worth of merchandise while 75 officers were present. One of the officers was alerted by an employee to a shoplifting incident in progress and followed the woman into the parking lot.
“Ironically, the suspect had parked his vehicle next to all of the police cars of the officers who attended the event,” state police said in a statement.
The woman was arrested and booked into the Livingston County Jail, according to state police. No charges have been announced.
Genoa Township is approximately 85 miles northwest of Detroit.
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