Theft
Winter Haven woman stole merchandise, Chihuahua
March 19, 2013
A Winter Haven woman and a juvenile have been arrested for an all-day shopping spree that netted them thousands of dollars in merchandise, plus a Chihuahua puppy and a hamster.
Niccole Rae Ruston, 33, 1800 Ave. Q SW, Winter Haven, and a juvenile were found with more than $3,000 worth of merchandise from several stores on Saturday after a store employee called Winter Haven police. A black, 4-month-old Chihuahua puppy and a hamster taken from Pet Harbor in Winter Haven were also recovered, according to the police.
An employee at the Belk's store at 700 3rd. St. SW saw them concealing $635 worth of merchandise and notified police. Officers then found bags of merchandise from Macy's, Pier 1 Imports, Walgreen and Hibbett Sports in Ruston's vehicle, police said.
The Chihuahua and hamster, which were found at Ruston's home, were reported missing from the pet store after the pair had been arrested.
Ruston was charged with two counts of grant theft, four counts of petit theft, one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of child abuse. She was booked into the Polk County jail where her bond is set at $3,000 on the theft charges.
The juvenile was charged with shoplifting and petit theft and taken to the Polk County Juvenile Assessment Center.
