Police Detective Caught Shoplifting at Walmart by Officers

Melissa Ward, a detective with the White Mountain Apache Police Department, was arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart store in Show Low, Arizona after being caught by loss prevention and fellow law enforcement officers.

According to store loss prevention personnel, Ward entered the Walmart and selected a red storage tote, which she then used to conceal merchandise by opening it, placing items inside, and closing it after each addition. She proceeded to checkout where she only paid for the empty tote itself, attempting to leave with the concealed items.

Ward was initially stopped twice while trying to exit through the General Merchandise doors but eventually left through the grocery entrance, where Show Low Police Department officers were waiting to detain her.

During the investigation, loss prevention officers reviewed surveillance footage and identified two additional prior visits where Ward allegedly used similar methods. In one instance, she reportedly filled a tote with toys, and in another with candy. The combined value of the stolen merchandise from multiple visits was sufficient to elevate the charges to felony level.

When questioned by officers, Ward initially claimed she was distracted during a phone call with her mother and was searching for lost keys. However, after being informed that surveillance footage existed documenting her previous visits, she admitted to shoplifting from the store on prior occasions.

Show Low Police Department officers maintained professional courtesy throughout the arrest process. Ward's police chief and supervisor responded to the scene, acknowledging that the matter was beyond their departmental control.

Ward faces felony shoplifting charges based on the cumulative value of merchandise stolen across multiple visits to the Walmart location.