Shoplifting Turns Violent, 3 Women Charged In Columbia: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — Three people have been charged in connection with a violent shoplifting case in Columbia, according to police. The suspects were located near the scene of the incident, police reported.

At 8:11 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, officials said that three women stole merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods in the 6200 block of Columbia Crossing Circle.

An employee was assaulted in the process, officials said, noting that nobody was seriously injured.

Officers said they found the suspects in a vehicle nearby the sporting goods store and arrested them.

The following teens were charged, according to the Howard County Police Department:

• Mercedes Anderson, 19, of Lemon Street in Baltimore, was charged with robbery; second-degree assault; theft from $1,500 to under $25,000; and theft from $100 to $1,500. Anderson was released Tuesday on $25,000 bond.
• Kayla Renae Wallace, 18, of Cedar Hurst Avenue in Baltimore, was charged with theft from $1,500 to under $25,000; and theft from $100 to under $1,500. She was released on her own recognizance and is slated to appear in Howard County District Court on Oct. 19.
• Jonnaysha Johnson, 18, of North Rogers Avenue in Baltimore, was charged with theft from $1,500 to under $25,000; and theft from $100 to under $1,500. She was released on her own recognizance and is slated to appear in Howard County District Court on Oct. 19.

Image via Google street view.