North Olmsted OH woman accused of pepper-spraying Walmart security agent during theft
NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio April 4 2018 – A North Olmsted woman is accused of pepper-spraying a Walmart security guard who tried to stop her from shoplifting.
Amber N. Digrino, 32, is charged with robbery in the Friday incident at the store on Brookpark Road near Great Northern Boulevard, according to court records.
Digrino posted 10 percent of a $10,000 bond during her first appearance Monday in Rocky River Municipal Court. Judge Donna C. Fitzsimmons continued her arraignment to April 12 to give her time to retain an attorney, court records say.
Digrino is accused of stealing digital memory cards, a set of drill bits, tire gauges, clothes and glue worth a combined $38.23, according to a police report.
The Walmart security guard followed the woman shortly before 3:30 p.m. because he saw her put a package of glue on top of her purse, police said. He also saw her put clothes in her purse, the report says.
The woman paid for chicken, a soda and a piece of clothing at the register but tried to leave the store without paying for the items in her purse. The security guard confronted her, and she pulled out a can of pepper-spray and sprayed his glasses and forehead, the report says.
The woman then got into a red Jeep and sped away.
North Olmsted police officers traced the Jeep’s license plate number to a Clifford Road resident. They went to the house and spoke to the resident, who denied any involvement in the incident, the report says.
Officers took her to Walmart, but the security guard confirmed she did not pepper-spray him. The woman declined to provide any additional information, so officers took her to into custody.
The woman eventually told officers Digrino had been driving her Jeep. Officers contacted Digrino and took her into custody outside her home without incident.
cleveland.com
