Shoplifting Arrest Includes Charge Of Obstructing
Amy Lynn Hopkins, 25, of HC 60 Box 141, New Martinsville, was arrested May 30 and charged by New Martinsville Police Department’s Steve Kastigar with second-offense shoplifting and obstructing an officer. Both charges are misdemeanor offenses.
According to a Wetzel County Magistrate report, Hopkins was stopped at the New Martinsville Wal-Mart by a an “asset protection agent,” as she was allegedly attempting to push a cart out of the store that contained $495.60 worth of merchandise, including an air conditioner, weed eater, and several other items of merchandise. The agent reportedly spotted Hopkins putting items into blue bags she had with her. The report noted that Wal-Mart bags are gray.
For this offense, Hopkins could spend no more than six months in jail, be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500, or receive both punishments.
Hopkins already has a prior shoplifting conviction from May 2013.
Hopkins’ second charge of obstructing an officer stems from the same incident. The magistrate report states that as Hopkins was being escorted from the store, she allegedly became belligerent and started swearing loudly and was arrested for disorderly conduct. When she was being handcuffed, she resisted and tried to escape the officer. After being handcuffed, she reportedly continued to resist arrest, throwing herself on the store floor, cursing profanely, and resisting by squirming and twisting away. After being gained control of, Hopkins was placed in a chair. Store management cleared customers from the immediate area until back-up arrived to secure her and remove her from the store.
For this offense, Hopkins could spend up to one year in jail, be fined not less than $50 nor more than $500, or receive both punishments.
Bail was set at $1,000 for each charge.