SHOPLIFTER ARRESTED AFTER NEARLY STRIKING STORE MANAGER WITH VEHICLE

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Donna Connelly, 54, of Lewes, Del. was arrested for a fourth offense driving under the influence of alcohol charge and reckless endangering after nearly striking the manager of a local retail store when she was confronted in regards to her shoplifting merchandise from two stores in the second block of Rehoboth Avenue.

On Friday at around 5:40pm, officers from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department were dispatched to the Loungin’ Lizard clothing store for a report of a shoplifting.  The ensuing on scene investigation revealed that prior to the officer’s arrival; Connelly had attempted to shoplift multiple items of clothing from the Loungin’ Lizard and Superkind department stores by concealing the items in a large handbag.  When confronted by a store manager, Connelly denied the accusations, emptied the stolen contents from her purse, and fled in her vehicle.  The store manager who was attempting to stop Connelly from leaving had to jump out of the way of Connelly’s vehicle to avoid being struck. 

Witnesses on scene were able to provide police with a description of Connelly and her vehicle to include the registration number.  Officers contacted Connelly as she arrived at her residence in Lewes in the suspect vehicle.  Connelly was taken into custody and transported back to the police department where she was administered standardized field sobriety test.  In was determined that Connelly was intoxicated and that her driver’s licenses was suspended.     

Connelly was arrested and charged with 1 felony count of fourth offense driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, 1 misdemeanor count of second degree reckless endangering, 1 misdemeanor count of shoplifting under $1500.00, 1 misdemeanor count of attempted shoplifting under $1500.00, and 1 count of driving while suspended or revoked. 

Connelly was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution lieu of an $11,000.00 secured bail.