BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A 15-year-old girl and her 34-year-old mother are behind bars after police say they stole $2,300 in merchandise from Lakeview Square Mall and at least one store in the Kalamazoo area.
Battle Creek police officers were called to the mall shortly after 8:00 p.m. Friday after a mall security guard reported seeing a teen girl stealing clothes. The mall security guard followed her as she tried to leave the mall, according to a release from the Battle Creek Police Department.
The mother, also involved in the theft, got in her car and hit the security guard with her vehicle in an attempt to get away. Police say the security guard was uninjured and was able to keep the mother at the mall until officers arrived.
In the meantime, the 15-year-old girl ran across the street to the Target where she was eventually arrested.
Officers say they found mostly stolen women’s clothing inside their car along with marijuana. All of the stolen clothes were returned to the stores Friday.
The names of the suspects have not been released. The 15-year-old remains in the Calhoun County Juvenile home on felony organized retail fraud charges. The mother was taken to the Calhoun County jail on felony organized retail fraud, felonious assault with a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana, and an additional warrant.
Investigators say they are looking to charge the mother with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
