(WWJ) – A Lansing-area woman is behind bars after allegedly trying to shoplift from a Walmart store while a “Shop With A Cop” event was taking place.
It happened Saturday at the Walmart in Livingston County’s Genoa Township as Michigan State Police troopers with the Brighton Post and other area officers were participating in the event.
The event allows area children to partner up with a police officer and shop for themselves and family, thanks to donations from local businesses.
“For many, they would not have a holiday celebration without the Shop with a Cop Event,” MSP officials said.
During the event – which had about 75 troopers and officers participating – a Walmart employee told a trooper a woman was trying to steal more than $700 worth of merchandise.
The trooper was able to have another officer take his shopping partner while he tracked the suspect 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.
The suspect, a 62-year-old female from Haslett, Mich., was arrested at the scene and brought to the Livingston County Jail. Officials did not say what charges she will face.
Authorities did not specify what items the suspect was allegedly trying to steal.