Violent Shoplifters At Columbia Target Face Charges: Police

COLUMBIA, MD -- Three people were charged in a violent shoplifting attempt at the Target on Dobbin Road, according to police. Authorities said two women and one man assaulted an employee who confronted them when they tried to leave the store in Columbia without paying for merchandise.

The incident occurred at Target in the 6100 block of Dobbin Road at 11:28 p.m. on Dec. 8, according to the Howard County Police Department.

An employee reported that when a staff member saw three people trying to steal items and confronted them, the suspects assaulted the worker and left without the merchandise, police said.

Responding officers found the vehicle and arrested three people.

The following have been charged:

• Rita Burke, 26, of the 600 block of Chapelgate Drive in Odenton; charged with robbery; first and second-degree assault; theft from $100 to $1,500; and conspiracy to commit theft
• Alashia Burke, 23, of the 9700 block of Covered Wagon Drive in Laurel; charged with robbery; two counts of second-degree assault; theft; and conspiracy to commit theft
• Jerome Hodge, 19, of the 600 block of Chapelgate Drive in Odenton; charged with two counts of second-degree assault; theft from $100 to $1,500; and conspiracy to commit theft.

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