The Jig Is Up: Officers Show up at Shoplifter's Home after High-Speed Chase

GREENDALE, WI — A shoplifting suspect who tried making off with $1,400 in Columbia Jackets only to lead police on a high speed chase, told officers "I did something stupid" when they showed up at her front door.

Tanya M. Smith, 41, Milwaukee, faces up to three years behind bars after she has been charged with felony retail theft and fleeing an officer.

According to her criminal complaint, a loss prevention officer at Southridge Mall reported a woman wearing a red coat had stuffed a Kohl’s shopping cart full of clothing before exiting the mall without paying.

Once confronted by the loss prevention officer, Smith reportedly told her she could just take the items, and threw the clothing onto the wet pavement. Surveillance video showed Smith pick up her purse and a few items and put them in to her car as she drove away. The stolen items consisted of Colombia Jackets and other outerwear totaling over $1,400, police said.

While the above confrontation was occurring the license plate of Smith's car was broadcast out to officers. One officer spotted her in the area of S. 68th Street and Edgerton Ave.

According to police, Greendale police pulled her over, and she initially came to a stop on the side of the road near the mall area, but as the officer was giving verbal commands for Smith to turn off the car and exit, the vehicle rapidly accelerated away from the officer. The vehicle began to travel at speeds between 55-60 MPH in a posted 30 MPH area. The vehicle crossed over S. 60th Street and began to pass other motorists in the parking lane in its attempt to flee.

Police reported that due to the dangerous nature of the driving, police terminated the pursuit after about .5 miles.

According to her criminal complaint, through the course of the investigation, officers developed Smith as a possible suspect. Officers went to an address on 76th St. and located the Land Rover from the shoplifting and police pursuit. Officers made contact with Smith at that address, and when officers asked Smith if she knew why they were there, she stated “I did something stupid.”

While taking the defendant into custody, officers could see in plain view of the Land Rover, two Colombia Jackets, consistent with the items taken from a store at Southridge Mall, her complaint stated.

>>> image via shutterstock