Woman Tries to Steal 41 Items From a Missoula Store

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 25, 2024, at around 3:19 PM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a report of shoplifting at a store in the 2900 block of Brooks St. An employee called 911 to report that they had a female, 68-year-old Kathryn Hernandez, in custody. 

The officer arrived and spoke to the employee who said Hernandez was known to fill carts with thousands of dollars worth of merchandise and attempt to walk out. Hernandez had entered the store and began putting miscellaneous items in her cart. Hernandez then pushed the cart past the last point of purchase but was stopped by the cart's anti-theft system which locked the cart’s wheels. 

Hernandez reportedly gathered her items from the cart, walked toward the front of the store, and placed said items into a motorized cart. Hernandez then proceeded to drive around and "grabbed everything in sight." Hernandez circled one of the exits before proceeding to the exit on the west side of the building. She circled, looked around, and drove the motorized cart filled with items past the last point of purchase. The employee was already standing there waiting for her. 

The officer advised Hernandez of her Miranda rights. She stated she understood and agreed to speak with him. The officer asked Hernandez to tell her side of the story. She stated she initially came in for fishing gear but needed a brush for her hair, stating something to the effect of "there was just so many things." Hernandez stated she left past the last point of purchase to set off the alarms so that an employee would stop her, stating something to the effect of "it worked."  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The officer received an itemized receipt showing 41 items were recovered, totaling $1,791.75. Hernandez was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with felony theft and felony burglary. Her bond was set at $25,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.