Support Dog Brought On Alleged Shoplifting Spree

A 24-year-old Ypsilanti woman was arrested with her emotional support therapy dog by her side after she allegedly tried to steal about $1,000 in merchandise from a department store and was found with tools to defeat anti-theft devices.

The incident occurred at about 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at Walmart, 23800 Allen Road, in Woodhaven.

According to a police report, the woman was seen inside the store with the dog as she selected an all-in-one computer and numerous phone sockets.

She put them in her shopping cart with numerous other items.

While at the garden center she picked up a Santa hat from a display and allegedly concealed it in her backpack.

The report said a loss prevention officer kept an eye on her because many of the items she selected were “high theft items.”

She then, according to the report, attempted to leave the store, but was stopped by the loss prevention officer.

The officer recovered nearly $800 in merchandise from the cart and more than $170 from the backpack.

Also inside the backpack were pliers and magnets, allegedly used on store merchandise to enable the theft devices.

An animal control officer was called to the store and took custody of the service dog.

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