COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — A Collier County woman was arrested after allegedly stealing more than $3,400 worth of merchandise from a Target store off Immokalee Road. Deputies arrested Kimberly McDonnell, 36, on grand theft charges after an investigation revealed she had made nearly 20 trips to the store, walking out with a variety of unpaid items.
Authorities said McDonnell used the self-checkout lane to intentionally avoid scanning items, including everyday products like mechanical pencils and even a mattress. Surveillance footage from the store captured McDonnell leaving the store on 18 separate occasions with items she had not paid for.
Target customer Kyle Pollara expressed shock upon hearing about the theft: “For almost $4,000 worth of stuff taken, that’s actually like, shocking that someone could get away with that.”
Another shopper, Megi Roko, said she was cautious about rushing to conclusions. “Obviously, your first reaction is ‘that’s unacceptable,’” Roko shared, adding that if it was indeed theft, it should be dealt with accordingly.
Frustration over the effects of theft on pricing was echoed by Sally Kraska, another customer: “Because we all pay for it. I mean, that’s the truth. We all pay for it. They keep raising prices to make up for their deficit.”
McDonnell now faces grand theft charges, and shoppers in the area are expressing concern about staying vigilant while out shopping. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case.
