Hartford Police Department officials said a 24-year-old woman returned to a local Walmart on Saturday to steal more items, making an “astonishing display of bad timing” according to police.
The incident occurred during the department’s charity event that involved many officers and volunteers. Police reported they were conducting a holiday-themed activity when one officer spotted Malak among attendees.
A Facebook post from the department stated: “Unfortunately for her, she walked straight into Walmart during the one time of year when the store is basically a satellite police station.”
Police identified Malak as the shoplifter and arrested her shortly after. Prosecutors indicated that Malak had previously stolen about $600 worth of merchandise from the same store three days earlier.
Malak initially told officers she was shopping for her children but later admitted to planning further thefts before changing her plans. Authorities found approximately $900 in value of stolen toys in the woman’s vehicle. Police confirmed that a large theft was prevented and the event was only briefly paused during the arrest.
The department said the holiday event proceeded successfully, with additional children selected to receive free bicycles and helmets.
