A local woman faces assault and theft charges after a string of incidents that took place earlier this month, police say in a news release issued today.
Police say the 40-year-old attended the same business in the 0-100 block of Queen Street East on Aug. 15 and Aug. 20 and attempted to leave without paying for items both times. The second time, the accused allegedly threw needles at the staff while fleeing the area.
Police say the accused also entered a business in the 100 block of Gore Street on Aug. 22, where she allegedly tried to leave without paying for candy.
As a result, Loretta Carey was arrested on both Aug. 21 and Aug. 22.
The full release is as follows:
On Aug. 21, 2021 officers with Patrol Services charged 40-year-old Loretta Carey with assault with a weapon.
On Aug. 15, 2021 the accused attended a business in the 0-100 block of Queen Street East, selected approximately $24 in face coverings from a rack and left without attempting to pay.
On Aug. 20, 2021, [it is alleged that] the accused attended the same business in the 0-100 block of Queen Street East selected two sweaters, valued at approximately $150, and left without attempting to pay. During this occurrence, staff observed the accused stealing the items and followed her out of the business attempting to recover the stolen items. As the accused fled the area, she threw needles at staff.
Officers investigated both incidents and developed grounds to believe the accused was involved in both of them. A warrant was requested and issued for her arrest.
On Aug. 21, 2021 around 9 p.m., officers observed the accused walking in the area of Albert Street East and Bruce Street. Officers knew she was wanted and she was arrested. She is charged with assault with a weapon and two counts of theft under $5,000. She was released by way of an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct.18, 2021.
On Aug. 22, 2021 the accused attended a business in the 100 block of Gore Street, selected five bags of candy off a rack and left without attempting to pay.
Officers attended and located the accused behind the business and she was arrested. She is charged with theft under $5,000.
She was released by way of an undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 18, 2021.