Disabled woman accused of stealing Walmart items by hiding them in mobility scooter

A woman with no legs was arrested on Wednesday after she stole about $75 worth of clothes from Walmart by concealing it in her mobility scooter.

Boardman police were dispatched to Walmart on reports of theft. An employee had reported to police that a 47-year-old woman was seen exiting the store without paying for several items, according to a police report.

The suspect had an active warrant out of Trumbull County for failing to appear in court for another case of theft. Liberty police were contacted but stated they did not wish to pursue her for the other warrant.

Employees reported that she was seen on surveillance footage riding around the store and concealing items inside different bags attached to a motorized wheelchair. She then fled down Doral Drive, where she was soon apprehended and arrested by police, according to the report.

The suspect initially denied stealing anything, but after she was arrested, she admitted to shoplifting and stated that she planned to hide inside PetSmart until her bus came, according to the report.

She was released on a summons to appear in court to face theft charges.

Sign up for our Mahoning Matters newsletter

Support our journalists with a tax-deductible donation

This story was originally published June 14, 2024 at 6:00 AM.