Suspect gets into scuffle with store clerk during cigarette theft
The Columbus Division of Police is searching for a suspected crook who stole thousands of cigarettes Tuesday morning inside a convenience store. (Courtesy: Columbus Police)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The Columbus Division of Police is searching for a suspected crook who stole thousands of cigarettes Tuesday morning inside a convenience store.
Security cameras inside a Circle K store at the intersection of King Avenue & Kenny Rd captured a woman walk into the business around 3:00 AM Tuesday, and sneak behind the counter to steal 33 cartons of expensive cigarette cartons, that included Newports and Marlboroughs.
Management says the woman came into the store just minutes after a man asked a clerk for help to read the nutrition information on the can of an energy drink, claiming he had poor eyesight because of diabetes.
Circle K officials say the suspected thief walked off with more than $6.500 worth of stolen smokes.
The crook could have gotten away with a lot more. While the suspect was walking out the door, she was confronted by a female store clerk.
Security video shows the female suspect start to scuffle with the employee, at one point the two knocked over a display case.
Several cartons of cigarettes were tossed to the floor during the confrontation. The thief tried to grab up all the cartons but ran out the door leaving several behind.
Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus Police at 614-645-4545 or Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS.
