ICYMI: Florida Woman Arrested for Assaulting Pregnant Employee at Dollar General
A Florida woman faces charges after allegedly stealing a lighter and assaulting an eight-months-pregnant employee at a Dollar General. 🌐 #News #PalmCoastFL #Florida #Crime
PALM COAST, FL – A routine morning at a Dollar General store in Florida turned chaotic when a woman allegedly stole a lighter and shoved a pregnant employee. Authorities say the dramatic incident has led to an arrest and serious charges.
Maria Gritsaev, 34, is facing charges of aggravated battery on a pregnant victim and petit theft by shoplifting. The arrest came after weeks of investigation and a plea for public assistance from local law enforcement. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the unsettling events unfolded in Palm Coast, a city located just north of Daytona Beach.
A Tense Encounter in Palm Coast
The incident happened on January 2 around 10:30 a.m. at a Dollar General on Market Avenue. Investigators allege that Gritsaev, initially described as a woman in her late 40s with long blonde hair and wearing a light-colored hat and scarf, attempted to steal a lighter valued at just $2.
The pregnant employee, who is eight months along, confronted the suspect at the store entrance. According to authorities, the suspect became physical, shoving the employee in an attempt to leave. The woman then fled the scene on a silver mountain bike, leaving staff and customers shaken.
Blurry Photo Breaks the Case
Law enforcement released a grainy surveillance image of the suspect, seeking the public’s help in identifying her. Despite the poor quality of the photo, a sharp-eyed social media user provided the tip that eventually led to Gritsaev’s arrest.
Investigators said the suspect frequented the store and was familiar to employees. Court documents reveal that the pregnant worker reported Gritsaev’s actions, stating the suspect became aggressive after being told she couldn’t leave with the unpaid item.
Conflicting Accounts
When questioned, Gritsaev admitted to being in the store that day but denied taking the lighter or pushing anyone. She claimed she paid for the item and avoided confrontation by simply leaving.
However, witness statements and evidence painted a different picture, leading to her arrest.
Legal Consequences
Gritsaev is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility with a bond set at $6,000. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have not released further details at this time.
This shocking incident has left the local community on edge, as residents grapple with the unsettling mix of petty theft and senseless violence.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | Florida
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