By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR — A 19-year-old Novi woman became suicidal Feb. 25 after she was jailed for shoplifting merchandise valued at $143.70 from Walmart, 7555 Telegraph Road.
A loss prevention employee said he watched the teen on surveillance cameras go through the store, concealing 12 items in her backpack. She then went to a checkout register, where she paid for doughnuts but nothing else. She was then detained at the exit doors.
The woman also had a vape pen in her backpack, a substance for which she is underage.
She initially provided police with a false name, until her cell phone number linked her to her legal name. She said she didn’t want her parents to know what she did.
She was charged with third degree retail fraud, obstructing a criminal investigation, and possession and use of tobacco by a minor.
After she was taken into custody, the woman stated suicidal intent, so she was placed in a suicide gown, a tear-resistant, single piece outer garment that prevents the wearer from using it to form a noose.