Police force department in full activity. Red light flasher of a patrol police car at sunday. Day patrolling of the city with lights flashers turned off. Security siren of the Canadian police vehicle.

Checkout trick leads to theft case at stafford target — Police force department in full activity. Red light flasher of a patrol police car at sunday. Day patrolling of the city with lights flashers turned off. Security siren of the Canadian police vehicle.

Simple checkout trick turns into theft case at Stafford Target

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — What looked like a normal checkout quickly turned into a theft investigation after a suspect used a common trick to walk out of a Stafford Target with unpaid items.

The incident happened Thursday, March 26 at the store on South Gateway Drive, where loss prevention officers noticed something off during checkout.

According to officials, the suspect scanned just one item while placing multiple items into a bag — then walked past all points of sale without paying for the rest.

Store employees detained the suspect, but they were released before deputies arrived.

As the investigation unfolded, officials discovered the same individual was likely connected to an earlier theft in February involving a pair of earbuds.

Video footage later confirmed both incidents.

Authorities have now requested a warrant as they work to locate the suspect and move forward with charges.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News