- Melissa Allen, 32, was arrested Tuesday at Target in Framingham, Massachusetts
- She was allegedly caught on surveillance video trying to steal the merchandise
- At least 50 officers were inside at the time for an annual charity shopping event
- Police say she tried to steal clothes, accessories and home goods worth $1,000
Melissa E. Allen, 32, was arrested Tuesday night at a Target in Massachusetts after she was allegedly caught on surveillance video trying to make off with the merchandise
A homeless woman has been caught trying to steal $1,000 worth of items from a Target store that was filled with at least 50 police officers for a ‘Shop with a Cop’ event.
Melissa E. Allen, 32, was arrested Tuesday night at the store in Framingham, Massachusetts, after she was allegedly caught on surveillance video trying to make off with the merchandise.
At least 50 officers were inside the store at the time for their annual charity shopping spree event with children.
Several officers were waiting in line to purchase items for the children when a Target employee reported the alleged shoplifter.
Allen was questioned in the store but denied trying to steal the items.
Police said she had filled a large bin with items to steal, including clothes, accessories and home goods.
At least 50 officers were inside the store at the time (pictured above) for their annual ‘Shop with a Cop’ charity event with local children
The police officers were inside the Target store at the time for their annual charity shopping spree event with the local children
The items totaled $1,105.40.
Surveillance video captured her walking past the registers and into the lobby with the goods before she was stopped by the employee.
Police said she resisted arrest and kicked a police car door when officers attempted to put her in the cruiser.
She also initially gave police a fake name and had to be re-booked when officers determined her identity.
Allen was charged with larceny over $250, resisting arrest and giving a false name.