Mall theft leads to felony charge

Officers say woman struggles with security after shoplifting; one person still sought.

A 20-year old Columbus woman is facing a felony robbery charge after allegedly assaulting a security guard while trying to flee with stolen merchandise from the Upper Valley Mall.

German Twp. police were called to the Macy’s department store around 7 p.m. Wednesday on the report of two women leaving without paying for about $600 worth of clothing. A loss prevention officer was not available at the store, so mall security responded to the initial call. When he approached the women in the parking lot, they reportedly took off running toward the Sears store, according to German Twp. police Chief Michael Stitzel.

When the guard tried to detain one of the women, she allegedly struck him in the face. A struggle ensued, but the officer was able to hold her until police arrived, Stitzel said.

Jazmin Coulverson was arrested on a count of robbery and tampering with evidence. Officers also reportedly found marijuana and charged her with a misdemeanor count of possession of drugs. Stitzel said that because she fought with the guard, the charge automatically became a felony instead of misdemeanor theft.

“Honestly, if they would have just submitted to the security guard, they would have been issued charges and sent home that day,” he said. “It’s not worth it. Work for your money and buy your items.”

Police are still looking for the other woman, identified by officers as Yvonne Dennis, 20, of Grove City. A warrant is being issued for her arrest, Stitzel said, and a family member told officers she could be in Dublin.

Coulverson pleaded not guilty to the charges in Clark County Municipal Court on Thursday. She’s been appointed a public defender. She remains in the Clark County Jail on $15,000 bond, which requires a 10 percent posting before her release.

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