What Will Happen if You Leave After Being Confronted by a Store About Shoplifting

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

My little sister told me yesterday she and her friend drove to dollar tree to get Few snacks . It was late at night 5 minutes before closing . They both picked what they wanted but realized non of them had their card , so they decided just to take the items . I know it's really bad and I'm so angry with her . Anyways the items where about 5 dollars together. So they simply put them in her purse and Walked ouTside . Outside the door , regular employee not lp or manager stopped them and asked for the reciept .

She said" for what " and he said for " what's in your bag " She doesn't know how he knew because he and other employees where at the front locking up , but there was a customer in the shop maybe she said something . Because that location never ever has lp So she replied " to got them somewhere else " and he started to tug on her bag so they walked away , they didn't go to the car but Ran away , it was dark so they observed the place from a distance and the police wasn't called that night .

So when The employees left they both ran to the car which was parked outside Ralph's which is beside dollar tree and drove home .ralphs was still open and there were many cars there . She is really scared that they be able review the cctv from Ralph's if they call cops the next day ?

Could they be prosecuted for stealing? Yes. And having actually committed the crime, all they can do is wait and see what happens.

Well,obviously,they could be arrested and charged for shoplifting,if the store is willing to get the video footage of them running from the store after being confronted by the employee.It's a case of "wait and see" what happens.I strongly suggest though,that they not go back into that store again,and no where's else stealing.