Sheriff: Shoplifter Drags North Branch Officer In Shopko Parking Lot
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A 43-year-old Sandstone woman was arrested Saturday for dragging a North Branch officer who had confronted her over shoplifting at Shopko, according to the Chisago County Sheriff's Office.
The incident happened at about 6:40 p.m. The officer was conducting a walk-through business check at Shopko when she was approached by a store employee who had observed a female customer acting suspicious and putting items inside a shoulder bag.
The suspect exited the store and was approached by the officer, who identified herself. The suspect didn't comply to the officer's commands and fled to a vehicle. As the suspect tried to start the vehicle, the officer struggled to get control of the ignition key and the car's shift lever. The suspect put the car in reverse and dragged the officer about 10 feet and causing the officer's feet to hit a cart corral.
The suspect then put the vehicle into drive and went through the parking lot until the officer was able to gain control. Other deputies arrived on scene, and the woman was taken into custody after a struggle.
The officer suffered several minor injuries during the incident. The suspect, identified as Melissa Zielinski, was arrested and charged with second-degree felony assault, fourth-degree felony assault on a peace officer and fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance. She was also charged with felony possession of shoplifting gear, felony theft, obstructing legal process and driving after revocation.
Zielinski is in the Chisago County Jail while the incident is under investigation.
