Walmart Thief Returns To Joliet Store To Steal Again, This Time She's Captured: Police

JOLIET, IL — At this time of year, the volume of retail thefts in many Joliet area communities is through the roof, and the Will County Courthouse is flooded with retail theft charges being filed in December. This past week, Joliet police arrested 40-year-old Tiera McDonald on charges of retail theft, fleeing and eluding the police, criminal trespass and driving with a suspended license.

According to police spokesman Dwayne English, at 10:03 a.m. Dec. 12, officers responded to the Walmart at 2424 W. Jefferson St. for a past tense retail theft. Shortly after 8 a.m., a woman, later identified as McDonald, entered the store and selected over $60 worth of soda and chips and then left the store without paying for the items, English said.

McDonald was believed to have left the area in a vehicle at the time.

At 4:14 p.m. Dec. 13, officers were sent back to Walmart after it was reported McDonald was again inside the store concealing items. Employees were able to retrieve the merchandise, and Joliet police learned that McDonald was driving a Cadillac Deville.

English said the officers spotted McDonald driving and attempted to stop her, at which time she refused and drove toward a nearby bank parking lot before stopping.

McDonald got out of the vehicle and was placed into custody following a struggle, police said. Officers determined that her driver license was suspended.

Following the arrest, McDonald requested an ambulance after indicating she had swallowed narcotics, English said.

She was taken to St Joseph Medical Center by the Joliet Fire Department. She was later discharged from the hospital and processed at the Joliet Police Department before her release on a notice to appear in court.