Shoplifting Suspect Accused Of Hitting Stroller To Stand Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – One of two people charged in connection with a shoplifting case that put others at risk was in court Wednesday and is headed for trial.
Anne Kelly, 24, was in a West View courtroom Wednesday morning so a judge could determine whether there was enough evidence to hold her for trial on charges she was behind the wheel of a getaway car after an alleged shoplifting incident in Ross Township last month.
A Kohl's store security employee, Jennifer Pentimalli, testified that store security watched Kelly and another juvenile female take items to changing rooms, which were later estimated worth about $222.
When Pentimalli tried to stop the car, the car hit her and also hit the stroller that carried Melissa Cypher's two children. One was an infant. Last month, she told KDKA she was shocked at the urgency of the getaway.
"Couldn't believe that she actually did make contact with the stroller and didn't stop," she said.
Turns out, no one was injured, but the evidence was enough for District Judge Richard Opiela to rule there's enough evidence to send her to trial.
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"It's a difficult case anytime you have kids that are involved," defense attorney Blaine Jones said. "Obviously, we're all very happy that none of the children were hurt. But we're very encouraged by today's result. We have some good evidence, and we're going to basically try to develop a winning strategy based on the evidence brought forth today."
Kelly goes to trial on charges including retail theft and four counts of recklessly endangering another person.
