2 People Arrested in Alleged Shoplifting Incidents

reports from Nov. 22-28 included 59 alarms, 26 crashes and 17 arrests. Among the highlights:

Alleged Black Friday shoplifter arrested outside Kohl's

Police issued a citation to an 18-year-old Dearborn Heights man after he was seen taking items from  on Nov. 25, according to Lt. Tim Diamond.

Diamond said the alleged retail fraud occurred around 8:20 that night, as the suspect was seen by a loss prevention officer taking a shirt and shoes valued at less than $100. After the officer saw this, he called West Bloomfield Police, who tracked the suspect through the parking lot and eventually found him hiding in the trunk of his vehicle, Diamond said.

The man was released after he posted bond at the station, Diamond added.

"Retail fraud generally increases during the holiday shopping season," Diamond said. "Not only are people trying to get gifts for others, but they see a crowded store and with that, an opportunity."

Woman charged with retail fraud at Whole Foods

Police arrested Nikema Bragg-Respress, a 39-year-old Detroit resident, after she was seen taking items from on Nov. 27, according to Diamond.

Diamond said the incident occurred at 2:45 that afternoon, as the suspect was seen by a loss prevention officer stealing groceries, beauty products and clothing valued at about $143. She placed these items in her purse, Diamond said. After being approached by the officer in the foyer of the market, she struck the officer with her purse and ran away, police said. She was captured in the parking lot, placed under arrest by West Bloomfield Police, and later charged by the Oakland County Prosecutor with retail fraud, Diamond said.

Bragg-Respress had outstanding warrants in three cities and did not post her $10,000 bond from the station, Diamond said. She was transported to Oakland County Jail and released the next day.

For questions about this report, email Tim.Rath@patch.com.