Police Arrest Suspected Shoplifter for Stealing Steak from Publix and Resisting Arrest

A Leesburg woman, Rosa Lee Taylor, 56, was arrested on Sunday after allegedly stealing five packages of steak from a Publix supermarket and pushing a store employee when confronted.

The incident took place at the Publix located at 717 N 14th Street around 5:37 p.m., according to the Leesburg Police Department.

Store employees reported seeing Taylor with a large stack of steaks near her purse in a shopping cart. After walking down an aisle, the steaks were no longer visible in the cart, but her purse appeared noticeably larger.

The store manager approached Taylor, who denied having any knowledge of the missing steaks. When asked to return the stolen items, Taylor attempted to exit the store and shoved the store manager out of her way.

Taylor fled the store, heading toward a nearby restaurant, Mama Mia Pizza, where police officers later found her. She was seen tossing a brown bag, which contained the stolen steaks and a package of BC Powder, under a vehicle.

Officers detained her, and a search revealed a glass pipe hidden in her bra, commonly used for smoking narcotics.

The total value of the stolen items amounted to $132.29. After completing sworn statements, Publix employees indicated their intent to prosecute.

Taylor was charged with petit theft, drug paraphernalia possession, and retail theft. With prior convictions for theft, Taylor’s bond was set at $7,000. She had also been arrested in June for allegedly stealing baby clothes from a Target store.

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