An on-duty officer with the Columbus Police Department was arrested Wednesday afternoon after trying to leave Dick’s Sporting Goods wearing a new pair of shoes she hadn’t paid for.
Officers were called to the store at 2041 Highway 45 North, about 12:30 p.m. for a report of a shoplifter, Daughtry said. Officer Robin Conner, 33, of Columbus was arrested and charged with misdemeanor shoplifting.
Daughtry said Conner allegedly took a pair of tennis shoes worth about $140, put them on and tried to walk out of the store.
“An employee observed them and detained the officer and called 911,” Daughtry said. “911, knowing it was an officer, called the (shift supervisor) and they notified us. Myself, the assistant chief and the captain over patrol all responded.”
The department will handle Conner’s arrest like any other, Daughtry said.
“We’re putting her in jail,” Daughtry said. “It’s embarrassing for the department, but we’re going to treat her like we would anybody else.”
CPD handled the arrest, and Conner will be prosecuted through municipal court, Daughtry said.
“I don’t see there’s any conflict of interest,” Daughtry said. “If it was a major case we would turn it over to another agency, but this is a misdemeanor and it’s pretty much cut and dried.”
Conner was put on paid administrative leave, effective immediately, Daughtry said.
He said he intends to ask the council to terminate her.
According to Human Resources Director Pat Mitchell, Conner has worked with CPD since August 2022.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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