By Jim Clark

Police were called to Kmart on Middlesex Ave. last Saturday on reports that a shoplifter was being detained by the store’s loss prevention personnel.

Upon arrival, the officers were led to where the suspect, Erica Morrissey, 26, was being held. The Security Officer reportedly told police that Morrissey had been observed via the store’s video security system placing makeup in her purse.

Police asked Morrissey why she had placed the store’s property in her purse and she reportedly told them that she had no money.

After placing Morrissey under arrest for shoplifting police searched the pursed and found three spoons with brown residue on them, a blue rubber elastic band, and seven small yellow pills with the marking “34” on them, according to reports. When asked about the pills, Morrissey reportedly said that they were Klonopin, a class “C” controlled substance. She was unable to produce a prescription for the pills, according to police.

Morrissey has been charged with shoplifting by concealing merchandise and possession of a class C drug.