Shoplifting Suspect's Hiding Spot Made Her Hard to Capture

A Florida woman faces multiple charges after authorities say she climbed into the ceiling of a Port Charlotte Big Lots store to avoid a shoplifting arrest. A Charlotte County Sheriff's Office news release says 37-year-old Kristina Perkins headed into the store's restroom on Friday and removed some tiles so she could climb into the ceiling, per the AP. A store manager told police that the North Fort Myers woman went into the restroom with her shopping cart, which was filled with nearly $60 worth of candy, cosmetics, and toys, WBBH reports. Police say the manager tried to get into the restroom, but it had been barricaded by several trash cans.

Deputies removed tiles from several spots in a five-hour effort to catch Perkins. The news release says she ignored commands to come down and instead moved to other sections of the ceiling. A deputy stayed behind overnight when the search was called off and saw Perkins climbing down from the ceiling, per WINK. She reportedly told him, per WBBH: "I ran because I was scared." She was arrested on charges of criminal mischief, petty theft, and resisting law enforcement. A lawyer wasn't listed on jail records.

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