Woman Arrested for Smuggling $600 Worth of Alcohol in Baby Stroller

The Lake Havasu City Police Department reported an unusual theft incident involving a woman and her baby stroller last month. On October 9, authorities received a call around 8:30 a.m. regarding a woman who allegedly left a McCulloch Boulevard business with over $600 worth of alcohol concealed in her stroller.

The business had previously experienced similar thefts of valuable liquor, leading to heightened vigilance among staff. On that day, Melinda M. Lewis, a 32-year-old resident of San Bernardino, California, entered the store and proceeded to the alcohol section. An employee, suspicious of her actions, trailed Lewis as she apparently filled her stroller with bottles of liquor.

After leaving the store without paying, Lewis was confronted by the employee outside. This encounter prompted the employee to alert the authorities. Surveillance footage later confirmed the employee’s account, showing the alleged theft of approximately $649 worth of alcohol.

Police located Lewis and her vehicle in a nearby parking lot shortly after the incident. Upon questioning, she reportedly admitted to stealing the alcohol, stating that she initially “took one bottle, and got greedy.”

Following the incident, Lewis was booked on felony shoplifting charges. However, recent court records indicate that prosecutors have opted not to file a criminal complaint against her. This decision could stem from the need for further investigation or insufficient evidence to secure a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt.