MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WETM) — Michelle Barber, 41, has been arrested and charged with theft of property valued between $10,000 and $60,000 after police say she stole a woman’s parked car nearly two years ago.
On July 27, 2023, officers responded to a call about an auto theft at a residence on the 200 block of North Mendenhall Road in East Memphis. The victim reported that she had moved her white Infiniti off the carport to do yard work. She mentioned that her purse and key fob were inside the car at the time.
While working in her yard, the victim noticed Barber, later identified as the suspect, waving from across the street. When the victim looked up again, she saw her car speeding away.
Just two days later, on July 29, 2023, the New Albany Mississippi Police Department responded to a shoplifting and disturbance call at a Walmart. Barber was identified as the suspect who left the store in the stolen Infiniti. Police were able to locate both Barber and the vehicle shortly after.
On July 30, 2023, the victim positively identified Barber in a six-person photo lineup. The following day, Barber confessed in writing to stealing the car.
Barber has been held in jail with a $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday at 9 a.m.