A weekend shopping spree ended in the Dallas County Jail for two Des Moines women Sunday afternoon when they were allegedly found in possession of more than $1,000 in merchandise stolen from a West Des Moines department store.
Jasmine Renee Atkins, 21, of 3510 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, and Alicia Kathleen Keasling, 20, of 3510 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, were each arrested on charges of second-degree theft and interference with official acts.
According to court records, Atkins and Keasling entered the Kohl’s store at 6515 Mills Civic Parkway about 4 p.m. Sunday and allegedly “placed $1,006 worth of merchandise inside of a cart.” The suspects “then pushed the cart outside of the store without paying for” the goods, “took the items from the cart and tossed them into” their 2006 Chevrolet Impala.
The women allegedly “left the parking lot with the stolen merchandise inside the vehicle, having no intent to pay for the items.”
An officer of the Clive Police Department located the suspects’ vehicle in a parking lot less than one mile from the alleged shoplifting scene.
According to court records, when the officer tried to make contact with the suspects, Keasling “attempted to duck down in the front seat of the vehicle” and when she “was ordered to show her hands,” Keasling allegedly “exited the vehicle and attempted to run away.”
Keasling was taken into custody “after a short foot pursuit,” according to records.
Atkins and Keasling are each held in the Dallas County Jail on a $5,000 cash or surety bond. Each is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Nov. 7 in Dallas County District Court.
*A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
