Aleeah Smith, 20, was arrested by Cheltenham police on Thursday, August 27, for biting a female employee while stealing merchandise from the Madrag at Greenleaf at Cheltenham (2401 Cheltenham Avenue) in Wyncote.

According to the criminal complaint, the store reported that Smith was immediately recognized by her “distinctive red hair” as she had been caught stealing days before the incident. After staff told Smith that police would be contacted, she reportedly ignored the warnings and proceeded to pick up three pairs of yoga pants valued at $34.99 each.

Smith then “made her way towards the front of the store while verbally engaging with staff and acknowledging her own current
actions”, the report said, noting that she was still verbally engaged with staff when officers arrived on scene.

An employee placed herself in front of the store’s front door, at which point “physical contact was established” and Smith proceeded to bite the employee three times on her right forearm, bicep, and shoulder. At least one of the bites broke skin, according to the complaint.

Smith refused to give up the pants before exiting the store, the complaint said.

Smith’s charges include robbery, recklessly endangering another person, and disorderly conduct.

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