Police: Shoplifter fed dog stolen treats inside store

Crystal McManus (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester woman was arrested on Friday after a police investigation concluded she had stolen items from the Rochester Walmart, then almost hit some pedestrians in the parking lot as she sought to elude store security personnel.

Crystal McManus, 30, of 50 Lafayette St., was charged with willful concealment, theft and a reckless operation violation.

The theft charge is for McManus allegedly opening a box of dog treats, feeding some to her dog who she’d brought into the store with her and returning the box to a shelf without paying for it, said Rochester Police Sgt. Patrick Emerson on Saturday.

Emerson said McManus allegedly also stuffed some merchandise into her pockets and left in her car as store security personnel yelled for her to stop. As she was leaving the parking lot, she almost hit some pedestrians, leading to the reckless operation charge, Emerson said.

Police recently secured store video of the Nov. 8 incident and conducted an investigation which led to her arrest.

Both the shoplifting and theft charges are misdemeanors.

McManus was bailed and released on $1,000 personal recognizance, pending her arraignment next month in Rochester District Court.