Police arrested four women and one man on charges they stole merchandise from several stores at Crossgates Mall.
An Old Navy loss prevention agent in Crossgates Mall contacted the Guilderland Police Department at approximately 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, about the group allegedly stealing merchandise from stores and leaving the mall in a white Acura. Police then stopped a vehicle matching the description and plates on Western Avenue near I-87. The loss prevention officer alleged all vehicle occupants were involved with stealing merchandise.
Jamilla S. Johnson, 25, of 23A Winthrop Ave. in Albany, was driving the car, and the passengers included Jocelyn Lanee Kindred, 26, of 228 Pulaski St. in Brooklyn; Jamel Marquis Coles, 20, of 378 Livingston Ave. in Albany; Christina I. Estrada, 26, of 384 Livingston Ave. in Albany; and Ronnya Z. Byers, 17, of 323 Myrtle Ave. in Albany.
The agent told police he witnessed merchandise being placed in the trunk of the car. Police said an Aeropsotale shopping bag lined with duct tape and aluminum foil was also in plain view on the rear passenger side of the car’s floor.
Police said a DMV check revealed none of the five individuals had a valid driver’s license and all were taken into custody without incident.
Johnson was driving her boyfriend’s car, police said, and she signed a consent form for a search of the vehicle. Police allegedly discovered stolen merchandise from Garage, Ruum, The Children’s Place, Pac Sun, Gap, Victoria’s Secret and Hollister with a total value of $1,855.
All five were charged with possession of burglar tools, released and were scheduled to reappear in Guilderland Town Court on Thursday, July 11.
