Three Omaha women and one teenager were arrested on suspicion of stealing $2,517 worth of clothes and $605 of liquor from three Lincoln stores Tuesday evening.
Lincoln police were called to Kohl’s at 84th and O streets at 6:43 p.m. regarding three women who employees said were stuffing men’s jeans and tops into bags and purses, Officer Katie Flood said Wednesday.
When officers arrived, the women ran out of the store with bundles of clothing in their hands and got into a Saturn, where a fourth woman, later identified as Markia Bass, 18, was waiting, Flood said.
One of the officers stood in front of the car and ordered the driver to stop. But Bass drove forward and touched the officer’s legs with the car, then tried to back up but a second cop had pulled his cruiser in behind her car, Flood said.
Officers arrested Bass, Essence Douglas and Victoria Friesen, both 19, on suspicion of felony theft and minor in possession. A 17-year-old who was in the store with them was referred to juvenile court and released to a family member, Flood said.
Police searched the Saturn and found 23 unopened bottles of alcohol, mostly Crown Royal, plus two bottles of Grey Goose, that they believe were taken from the Hy-Vee at 50th and O streets, Flood said.
Officers also believe the women went into Finish Line in Gateway Mall and stole $816 worth of clothing, Flood said. Employees said they saw them trying to leave with merchandise and one of them grabbed Douglas’ purse, which she dropped, along with her phone, before running out, Flood said.
Bass was additionally cited on suspicion of fleeing to avoid arrest.
Judge James Foster set all three women’s bails to $2,500 Wednesday afternoon.
[Source:-Journal Star]
