By Pat Culverhouse

Two Shreveport women who apparently traveled to Minden for an alleged illegal shopping spree found their trip did not have a happy ending.

Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said the women were apprehended shortly after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after attempting to leave Walmart with nearly $1,700 in unpaid merchandise. 

Responding MPD officers Cadyn O’Connor and Jordon Greer learned from employees that the women entered the store, stopped at the self checkout area and picked up unused grocery bags.

“Apparently, store employees recognized these individuals as persons who had previously stolen merchandise in the same manner,” McIver said. “The suspects were inside the store for approximately one hour, and our officers waited outside until they were notified the suspects were attempting to exit.”

Officers arrested Shreveport residents 32-year-old Crystal Montgomery, of the 1900 block of Weinstock St. and 35-year-old Shiquil Dillard, who listed an address in the 3100 block of Anna St. Both are charged with one count of felony theft. Bonds reportedly have been set at $10,000.

McIver said Walmart associates provided a receipt showing the total value of the stolen items at $1,683.98.

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.