By Tony Reid
Herald & Review, Decatur, Ill.
DECATUR, Ill. — Two cops gave a new definition to the phrase “crime ring” when they put down the bells they were ringing to raise money for The Salvation Army so they could chase down a fleeing shoplifter.
A statement from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened around 6:50 p.m. Friday outside the Walmart store at 4625 E. Maryland Road.
“Walmart loss prevention attempted to detain a shoplifting suspect who ultimately refused to stop before fleeing,” said the statement released by Sgt. Matthew Reynolds.
“Two deputies were present at the time bell ringing prior to giving chase and apprehending the shoplifting suspect with stolen property in the parking lot.”
The 42-year-old woman from Rantoul was booked into the Macon County Jail on a preliminary charge of retail theft and released under the no-cash bail law a short time later. She was ordered to report back to Macon County Circuit Court Jan. 2.
Sheriff Jim Root, speaking Sunday, told the Herald & Review his deputies have been volunteer bell ringers at Christmas for at least the last 10 years or more. Their efforts Friday were part of the annual “Guns & Hoses” challenge where cops compete with firefighters to see who can raise the most cash.
“And this is the first time I am aware that anything like this ever happened,” Root said.
The sheriff praised the male deputies involved for their fast reactions when they realized what was happening as the suspect fled the store, accompanied by a child. “I am assuming the kid had no idea what was going on,” Root added.
He said the woman had been accused of under-ringing items while in the store.
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