A Brazil woman was arrested July 17 on several charges after she filled a car seat box with multiple items, sealed it with tape, and failed to pay for it as she checked out in the self checkout line at Wal-Mart. 

Kristen Nicole Copper, 41, was arrested on charges of theft, possession of methamphetamine, resisting law enforcement, and possession of paraphernalia. 

While working the sales floor, a Wal-Mart Asset Protection Associate observed Copper open a car seat box and place multiple infant clothing items inside the box. He followed Copper to the stationary section where she taped the box up and replaced the UPC code on the car seat box with one she had removed from a stroller. He also observed Copper place other infant items into her purse as well as into another bag she had taken. The associate said he recognized Copper from another incident a few days prior at which time she ran when confronted. 

The Asset Protection Associate alerted the Linton Police Department of the situation and when Officer JR Blazier arrived, he was advised that Copper was at the self checkout line. While waiting in the vestibule to determine whether or not Copper would pay for the items, the Asset Protection Associate confirmed she paid for some items but did not scan any of the items inside the box. 

When exiting the store, Blazier approached Copper, who became extremely nervous. As Blazier took Copper’s left arm to attempt to place her in restraints, she pulled away and refused to cooperate. Blazier placed her up against the wall in an effort to control her and place the restraints. She continued to resist; therefore, Blazier informed her he would place her on the ground if she continued. Eventually, she complied and was placed in restraints. 

When searching Copper, Blazier located a glass smoking device with white residue. Due to his training, Blazier believed the pipe to be used for smoking methamphetamine. Copper said she knew she had the pipe on her person. She said she found it and picked it up. The pipe later field tested positive for methamphetamine. 

Copper told Blazier her daughter just had a baby and she did not have the money to pay for the items. When asked where the switched UPC was, Copper said she did not know. Blazier later located the UPC mixed in with other items within the cart.

At that time, Copper alerted Blaizer that she wasn’t feeling well so he contacted Greene County EMS. Upon arrival, it was determined that Copper needed emergency attention so she was transported to Greene County General Hospital via Blazier’s police vehicle. Once cleared by medical staff, she was transported to Greene County Jail. 

While Copper was being tended to at the hospital, Wal-Mart associates determined Copper left the store without paying for $775.36 worth of goods. Items stolen included: infant car seat, plush elephant toy, cat litter pan, cat food, blanket, infant and newborn clothing, adult woman clothing, baby items, and grocery items. 

She’s been charged with: 

• Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony

• Theft where value of property is between $750 & $50,000, a Level 6 Felony

• Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor

• Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor

She’s being held without bond until her initial court appearance on July 25.