Cops: Florida woman didn't want to wait in line, tries to steal from Publix

Cops: Woman walked out of store with $500 worth of groceries

CLERMONT, Fla. – A Clermont woman was arrested after police say she tried to steal $500 worth of groceries from a Publix because she didn't want to wait in line.

Hope Hanak, 56, has been charged with grand theft and possession of a controlled substance in the incident at the Publix on Citrus Tower Boulevard Friday afternoon.

Recommended Videos



Police said Hanak loaded groceries into reusable bags and went to the customer service desk to buy cigarettes. After paying for the cigarettes, she continued to walk out of the store without paying for the other items, according to the report.

The total amount of items Hanak had in her bags was $508.75, police said.

The store manager stopped Hanak, then called police. Hanak told police she had "just been been stupid and did not want to wait in line," according to the report. 

Police said Hanak also told them she had health needs and was taking several medications. At the jail, multiple pills were found in her purse and Hanak did not have a prescription for them, according to police.

She was booked into the Lake County jail. 

 


Recommended Videos