A 35-year-old Ocala woman with a prior armed robbery conviction was arrested after she allegedly stole more than 88 different items worth over $1,000 from a local Walmart.
Back on Tuesday, November 25, an Ocala Police Department officer arrived at the Walmart located at 4980 E Silver Springs Boulevard in reference to a theft incident. The officer was informed that a female suspect, later identified as Crystal Colon, had been caught on camera stealing dozens of items, according to the arrest report.
The officer noted that the store’s video surveillance footage showed Colon entering the store at around 9:20 a.m. that morning She then allegedly placed 88 miscellaneous items, which had a combined value of approximately $1,025, into a shopping cart.
Colon proceeded to push the cart full of unpaid merchandise around the cash registers and toward the gardening section. When she attempted to exit the store, she was met by a loss prevention associate who attempted to escort her to the front of the store, according to the report.
While being escorted, Colon allegedly fled on foot through the front entrance of the store.
According to the report, a photo lineup was conducted by OPD, and the loss prevention associate positively identified Colon as the suspect in this case.
A criminal history search of Colon revealed that she was previously convicted of armed robbery with a firearm.
On Monday, December 29, more than a month after the theft occurred, Colon was located by an OPD officer. After seeing the officer, Colon allegedly said, “Consequences of doing stuff you’re not supposed to do.”
Colon was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail. The following day, she was released after posting bond, and she has been charged with the following: grand theft (over $750 but less than $5,000) and resisting detainment by a retail merchant.
Marion County Court records show that Colon is being represented by a public defender. She is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, for an arraignment hearing.