Lang
5/17/24
A local transient is accused of trying to shoplift dozens of different items at once from a downtown Iowa City retailer.
28-year-old Jaetecia Higgins was booked into the Johnson County Jail just after 9:30 Wednesday morning. Iowa City Police say Higgins entered the downtown Target on East Washington Street just after 3:00 on the afternoon of May 7th and concealed 40 different items totaling $400.57, then left the store without paying.
Arriving officers caught up with Higgins about a block away. Police say Higgins approached them as they were getting out of the squad car and told them, “I didn’t take no clothes from them”, despite not being told why the officers were there. She then reportedly said, “I took this dress. I can honestly say that.” Records show Higgins has two previous theft convictions.
Target staff provided investigators with 30 different photos and 13 different videos of the alleged shoplifting.
Police served a warrant on Higgins just before 8:45 Wednesday morning on the 1000 block of Gilbert Court. She reportedly refused commands, physically resisted handcuffing, and tried to flee. Officers say they had to carry her to the squad car.
Higgins is charged with 3rd Degree Theft and Interference With Official Acts. If convicted on both charges, she faces a maximum of 25 months in jail.