Woman charged with stealing car from parking lot
A woman who officers say they caught on video stealing a vehicle from a local store was indicted on theft charges by the January grand jury, officials said.
Veronica Hughes, 31, Jackson 255, Bridgeport, was indicted for first-degree theft of property, Franklin County District Attorney Joey Rushing said.
According to Russellvile Police Chief Chris Hargett, officers were dispatched to Russellville Wal-Mart at 8:30 a.m. on June 19, 2012, after a customer discovered his car was missing when he left the store.
Police investigator Lt. Scotty Lowery said they were able to view surveillance video that showed a female stealing the car.
“Later in the morning, one of our patrol units spotted the car at the Family Medical Clinic on Coffee Avenue,” Lowery said.
“The suspect wasn’t with the vehicle but we knew what she was wearing thanks to the surveillance video.
“We canvassed several of the businesses downtown and a short time later, we received word that she was in the bathroom at the laundromat on Coffee.”
Lowery said when Hughes was taken into custody, the key from the stolen vehicle was found in her possession.
Hughes’ case will be set for an arraignment hearing on Feb. 13, Rushing said. Her case will be placed on the trial docket at the beginning of April.