Homeless woman arrested for attacking Wawa clerk

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Lakerra Jakeidra McKinnon, 27, was arrested yesterday and charged with petit theft and resisting merchant detainment after allegedly pushing her way behind a counter in an attempt to steal tobacco products and then pushing a clerk to the floor on June 8; on her way out of the store, she allegedly stole three bags of Doritos.

At about 11:17 p.m. on June 8, McKinnon allegedly entered the Wawa at 1614 W. University Avenue and filled a drink cup with ice. She allegedly walked behind the counter, where she encountered a store employee. The employee reportedly put his hand up to stop her from entering the employee area behind the counter, but she allegedly pushed past him and took tobacco products from a case behind the counter. The employee reportedly tried to stop her from leaving with the tobacco products, and she again allegedly pushed the employee. During the struggle, she allegedly pushed the employee to the floor and fell to the floor with him; the employee reportedly took the tobacco products from her, and the drink cup was destroyed as she struggled with the employee.

After the employee had taken the merchandise back from McKinnon, he reportedly let her get up and walk out, but as she left the store, she allegedly grabbed three bags of Doritos, valued at about $12.

The employee sustained a small scrape on his arm during the struggle.

Gainesville Police Department investigators developed McKinnon as a suspect using video evidence, and post Miranda, she reportedly identified herself on the store surveillance video. She reportedly admitted entering the store, going into the employee area, struggling with the store employee, and taking items on her way out of the store.

McKinnon, who is described as homeless in court documents, has 13 misdemeanor convictions (none violent) and two pending sworn complaints for retail theft. Senior Judge Aymer “Buck” Curtin set bail at $5,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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