Suspected Shoplifter Arrested After Nearly Hitting Store Manager With Car

Donna Connelly (Photo: Rehoboth Beach Police)

REHOBOTH BEACH, De.- For the fourth time, 54 year old Donna Connelly of Lewes was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol on Friday night.

Connelly was also charged for reckless endangerment after Rehoboth Beach police say she almost hit the manager of a store with her car, after being accused by the manager of shoplifting from two stores on the second block of Rehoboth Avenue.

At 5:40 pm on Friday, police responded to the Loungin' Lizard clothing store for a reported shoplifting.  Police say their investigation revealed that Connelly has attempted to steal clothing from Loungin' Lizard and Superkind by stuffing the clothes in a large handbag.  Police say when a store manager confronted Connelly, she denied that she had stolen, then emptied the stolen contents from her bag, and fled in her car.

Police say the manager tried to stop Connelly, but had to jump out of the way of the car to avoid being hit.  Witnesses on the scene were able to give police a description of the suspect and the registration number of her car.  Police made contact with Connelly when she arrived at her home in Lewes.  Police arrested Connelly and took her to the station, where they found she was intoxicated and driving on a suspended license.

Connelly was arrested and charged with 1 felony count of fourth offense driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, 1 misdemeanor count of second degree reckless endangering, 1 misdemeanor count of shoplifting under $1500.00, 1 misdemeanor count of attempted shoplifting under $1500.00, and 1 count of driving while suspended or revoked. 

Connelly was committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution lieu of an $11,000.00 secured bail.

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