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Crime & Safety

Woman Tries Stealing With Baby on Board, Police Say

Suspect is almost hit by cars in the Walmart parking lot, then allegedly tosses her child inside an open car door in an attempt to escape.

A 22-year-old Racine woman won't be up for any "Mother of the Year" awards.

Leah M. Goodman is facing charges after she allegedly tried stealing from Walmart while her 8-month-old child was with her, then nearly got hit by several cars while taking the child and running from store security.

She was charged in Racine County Circuit Court Monday with one count of second-degree reckless endangerment of safety, one count of retail theft and three counts of bail jumping. If convicted, she faces up to 12 years in prison and $65,000 in fines.

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According to the criminal complaint, on Saturday, a security officer at Walmart saw Goodman and another woman enter the store. Security recognized them from past instances when the pair came in and “under-rung” the value of their items at self-checkout lanes. Security watched the women as they changed UPC codes on items, then placed them in a cart, which also had Goodman’s infant child sitting in a car seat inside.

Reports indicate the two went through the self-checkout lanes with the merchandise, but were approached by security as they tried to leave. The friend stayed, but Goodman ran from the store with her child.

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Goodman got into the parking lot and was nearly hit by an SUV, then jumped over curbs and a sidewalk with the baby in her arms, officers wrote in their report. Goodman then almost got hit by one or more vehicles again, then got to a white car where she opened the door, tossed the child into the passenger’s seat in an attempt to get away. Police, however, took her into custody.

Police say the friend admitted to the scam and told officers Goodman’s name. The two had paid only $47 for $224 worth of merchandise at the self-checkout line.

Goodman is currently being held in Racine County Jail on $2,500 bond while awaiting trial. 

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