PORT ANGELES — A 34-year-old woman was taken into custody earlier this week for investigation of shoplifting and assaulting a Walmart security officer after an unidentified citizen detained her.
Lorena A. Loushin, 34, a Clallam County resident, was stopped just after 2 p.m. Wednesday by security officers at the Walmart at 3411 E. Kolonels Way in Port Angeles because they suspected she had taken some items.
Investigating deputies said she apparently panicked.
She allegedly assaulted a security guard, ran to her car parked in the lot and attempted unsuccessfully to leave the crowded lot before an unidentified person detained her, said Clallam County Sheriff’s Sgt. John Keegan.
“It was not the usual call we get at Walmart,” Keegan said.
“We usually don’t get the drama,” he added.
Loushin was taken into custody at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday for investigation of theft of $480 worth of merchandise and fourth-degree assault on a Walmart security officer, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
She was not listed in custody in the Clallam County jail Thursday.
When Loushin attempted to drive out of the lot, “she kept getting blocked in by cars,” Keegan said.
Eventually, another person in the parking lot detained her, and she and was in a verbal dispute with that person when deputies arrived, he said.
“I’ve got to give it to our citizens when they do that,” Keegan said.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
