A security video and an observant Publix employee led to the arrest of a Texas native Monday at a Publix grocery store in Leesburg.
Kimberly Ann Collins, 35, of Fruitland Park, was observed on video placing strawberry shortcake, smoked ribs, corn nuggets and chicken tender bacon in a grocery cart.
Collins, who listed her occupation as a cleaner, then bypassed the checkout point without making payment for the food. The Publix employee then called the Leesburg Police Department for assistance.
The police were able to stop the suspect outside of the store and recover the stolen lunch items. The officers reviewed the security video which confirmed that Collins left the store without paying for the items. The stolen groceries had a value of $27.67.
After placing Collins under arrest the Officer requested a criminal records check from the Leesburg Police Department’s Communication Center. The criminal records search showed that Collins had three previous theft convictions. Based on her record and the evidence from Publix Collins was charged with felony theft and after processing by the Leesburg Police Department was lodged at the Lake County jail. Her bond was set at $2,000.
