A Lakewood woman was arrested after police said she tried to steal merchandise from a mall retail store by concealing it in her infant’s car seat.
A Lakewood woman was arrested after police said she tried to steal merchandise from a mall retail store by concealing it in her infant’s car seat.
Detective Mosley and Officer Yaranon responded Tuesday to a report of shoplifting at the store, where they detained the 31-year-old woman, according to police.
Investigators said she had placed merchandise in a bag and then attempted to hide the bag in the child’s car seat.
The woman initially gave Detective Mosley a false name before identifying herself, police said.
Officers found she had active Pierce County felony warrants for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and attempting to elude, as well as a theft warrant.
When officers asked how she had arrived at the mall, the woman became nervous and evasive, police said.
Officers took custody of the infant while waiting for family members to arrive at the police department’s mall substation.
Police said Officer Yaranon noticed the child’s diaper had not been changed for some time, bought diapers, cream, and wipes, and cared for the infant until family members arrived.
Surveillance footage showed she had arrived in a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Police said the vehicle’s VIN had been intentionally obscured, and its only license plate belonged to a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee of the same color.
Investigators determined the SUV had been reported stolen in Seattle and had since been used in several crimes. It was recovered and impounded.
The woman was booked into jail on suspicion of theft and providing false statements, as well as on the outstanding felony warrants.
