Thief Throws Display Rack When Confronted In Bethpage: PD

A woman was arrested after she tried to steal items from a store and threw a display rack after she was confronted by the owner in Bethpage on Wednesday evening, police say.

According to authorities, 33-year-old Wyandanch resident Krystal Johnson was confronted by the owner after she tried to leave the store without paying for ear buds and a phone charger at 7-Eleven, located at 497 Stewart Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

The owner, a 43-year-old man, tried to stop her from leaving, which led to Johnson becoming combative, police say. She then picked up a small metal display rack, threw it at the owner, missing him and striking a 21-year-old female store employee in the head, police say. The employee sustained a large contusion as a result of the incident.

Johnson fled and was followed by the owner to the Bethpage Train Station, where he called 911, police say.

Johnson was located and placed under arrest. The items taken from the store were recovered and returned to the owner, police say.

She was charged with third-degree robbery and second-degree assault. She will be arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead on Thursday.

Image via NCPD