Walmart Sting Yields 8 Arrests

Chattanooga Police have arrested 8 people, charging them with theft under $500 in connection with a sting that was conducted at area Walmart parking lots in Chattanooga.

Property Crimes Investigators set up yesterday on the lots of the Walmart in Brainerd and Gunbarrel Rd. and waited on would-be thieves. Investigators used 2 females who posed as shoppers who would leave their purses on the trunks of their vehicle and walk off into the Walmart.

With the holiday season approaching, Chattanooga Police are taking a pro-active approach in deterring thefts from vehicles, auto thefts and parking lot robberies by conducting these types of stings and getting the message out we are out in the communities and are working to prevent these types of crimes.

Chattanooga Police also report there were more good honest shoppers than thieves, 30 – 35 people who saw the purses that had been left, quickly turned them in to the store. Chattanooga Police want to commend these honest people and thank them for their honesty.

Charge with Theft Under $500 were:

• Jermichael Bowling
• Kelshia Hicks
• Gaynor Espy
• Joe Young
• Sandra Harris
• Marlin Dewayne Gates
• Monica Gates
• Elvis Carbajal-Osorio