Hunter
05/14/21
A Newhall Iowa woman was taken into custody Thursday night after attempting to steal nearly $900 worth of liquor from a Coralville grocery store.
According to arrest reports, 42-year-old Keli Lalla of 2nd Street East was located in the parking lot with staff at the Lantern Park HyVee just after 11pm when officers arrived. According to store employees, Lalla took a shopping cart full of Crown Royal whiskey without paying.
A check of her vehicle, a 2008 Chevy Impala, allegedly showed multiple boxes of the liquor. Lalla stated that she purchased the items but reportedly was unable to provide a receipt. Store staff had a different story, saying that Lalla walked past the registers and left the store without paying.
The total value of the items stolen was just over $880 before tax.
A K9 on scene alerted to drugs in the vehicle, and a probable cause search allegedly turned up a bag in the center console containing a glass pipe with a burnt white powdery residue inside.
Lalla was taken into custody and charged with 3rd degree Theft and possession of drug paraphernalia. If convicted, she faces up to 25 months in jail.