Merchandise worth an estimated $1,300 was taken Friday morning from Lowe's Home Improvement at 350 N. Gates Drive, before it was later recovered as police located and arrested a woman on charges of theft and driving without a license.
However, the arrest was helped by a citizen.
Bloomington Police Sgt. Robert Skelton said a citizen called BPD on Friday morning and said he saw two females stealing items from Lowe's. The citizen told police the women left the store in a white, 2006 Chevrolet Silverado truck with a wooden bed.
As the truck drove around Bloomington, the citizen followed it in his own vehicle, but ended up losing track of the truck, Skelton said. However, based on the description of the truck, a BPD officer was able to recognize the vehicle and located it at the corner of 11th and Adams streets.
The driver of the truck, 31-year-old Shandi R. Hawkins, was arrested, while the passenger was released at the scene.
Skelton said the items taken from Lowe's were copper wire, laundry detergent, a door lockset and a Honda power washer. He said the power washer alone was worth an estimated $700.
The items were recovered and returned to the store.
