By Pat Culverhouse

What began as an attempt to provide a “gift” for a companion has resulted in theft and other charges against a Hodge woman, along with a trip to the local lockup.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said 46-year-old Melanie Elaine Hall, a resident of the 100 block of Idaho St. in Hodge, is looking at a misdemeanor theft charge after reportedly taking an item from a local hardware store without paying.

In addition to the theft charge, McIver said investigators learned Hall is also wanted on fugitive warrants from both Bossier City and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office.

McIver said Lt. Shane Griffith initiated an investigation into the theft and identified Hall as the suspect. After receiving information on the theft and suspects, Det. Jason Lee reportedly executed a traffic stop on Hall and a male companion.

During interviews at police headquarters, McIver said Hall admitted to stealing the item in order to give a gift to her companion.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.