In a too-good-to-be-true example of bad timing, a career shoplifter was arrested in a Walmart after strolling in during an annual holiday event that police were attending.
Sophia Malak, 24, allegedly stole more than $600 worth of products from a Wisconsin supermarket just a few days before the store’s ‘Shop with a Cop’ Christmas event.
The Hartford Police Department described the ‘unexpected plot twist’ in a social media post.
It read: ‘A woman who had committed a felony-level retail theft a couple days prior decided that it was the perfect day to return for another round.
‘Unfortunately for her, she walked straight into Walmart during the one time of year when the store is basically a satellite police station.
‘Officers didn’t need any alerts or calls – they noticed her themselves. With a few quick observations and a whole lot of ‘you’ve got to be kidding me,’ they confirmed who she was and took her into custody right there in the midst of Christmas cheer.’
‘Moral of the story: If you’re planning felony retail theft… maybe avoid the day when the building is basically 30% law enforcement and 70% wrapping paper.’
When the officers approached Malak, they noticed more than $250 worth of products in her shopping trolley, and she told them she was trying to get gifts for her kids, according to Fox News.
Chief Shawn McGee told the news outlet: ‘It’s sad that somebody feels the need they have to go out and do this in the first place.’
The ‘Shop with a Cop’ event brought local police officers and struggling families together to bring festive light by allowing their children to pick gifts from the store.
Six random children who went into the store were also selected to get a free bicycle and helmet.
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