Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri.
I was stopped outside of a grocery store by an LPO. I simply ignored him and went to my car (did not say anything to him) and drove away. I believe he got my license plate number (which is from a different state, not MO). The concealed merchandise was 4 cookies (eating disorder causes me to do strange things...I WANT the cookies, but feel like I don't 'deserve' to spend money on them...this is a whole other issue that I am seeking help for already though). Can anything happen to me for leaving? (LPOs do not have the legal authority to arrest a person, I don't think, so I just left without incriminating myself in any way) Thanks!
Re: Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
In terms of potential criminal charges, you will have to wait and see what happens.
Your claimed mental disorder won't prevent you from being successfully prosecuted for stealing, so you should consider stepping up your treatment with whomever is handling your mental health issues.
Re: Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
They can, and sometimes do, physically restrain shoplifters who attempt to flee. Can something happen? Yup, they can file a police report. Are they going to for a package of cookies? Unless they were really expensive cookies, I wouldn't worry about it. Do NOT return to that store for the foreseeable future as they will watch you like a hawk. Next time you might not be so lucky and the LP on duty might decide to stop you the hard way. Again, not likely for cookies.
Left without incriminating yourself? Nope. LP's don't stop someone without knowing everything they need to prosecute. The LP just chose not to push the issue over a pack of cookies.
Re: Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
Thank you both. And yes, I realize a mental illness will not prevent me from being prosecuted for anything.
by 'not incriminating myself', I mean that I did not admit to anything or hand anything over.
I guess I am just wondering if there is a real reason for me to be concerned that police will show up at my house/issue an arrest warrant for me based on my out-of-state license plates? I realize I am likely being very paranoid since, again, I did not say anything or hand anything over.
Re: Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
Sounds like you were at an establishment with a 'no-touch' policy. You likely got away due to LP not being able to get the police to intecept you in a timely manner.
I would hazard a guess that they filed a police report and you may have police knocking on your door in the not too distant future.
Re: Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
If you do not want to get arrest....simply buy a package of cookies.
And I agree about further counseling.
It's like this...what would you rather pay for a package of cookies:
$2.50 retail price for a whole package.
Or
Between court costs, fines, civil demand, lawyer....thousands of dollars in legal fees, and a criminal record.
You need to be spending a lot of time with a counselor to get this eating disorder under control.
Re: Stopped by Loss Prevention Outside Store, but Did Not Respond
Quote:
Quoting
ditchinzimbabwe
...I WANT the cookies, but feel like I don't 'deserve' to spend money on them...
I would guess that some sorta eating disorder takes a backseat to this particular disorder.