NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-A transient woman has been accused of striking an employee at a local store after being accused of stealing.
According to North Platte Police, on October 19 at 10:15 AM, officers responded to a theft and assault complaint at the Dollar Tree, 201 East Leota Street.
Investigator John Deal says officers met with an employee who reported they saw a female in the store place several items into bags and then attempt to leave the store without paying.
Police say the employee spoke with the suspect about her attempting to steal when the suspect struck the employee with one of the full bags and ran away. The employee suffered pain to their arm but no significant injury, according to police.
Investigator Deals says a description of the suspect was provided and Emily Kovachy was located in the foyer at Walmart, 1401 South Dewey Street.
Police say Kovachy matched the description given and had a stolen hat in her possession that was determined to have been taken from Time Saver, 1200 S Dewey. The items stolen from the Dollar Tree were abandoned in the parking lot and recovered.
Kovachy was incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center on suspicion of assault and theft.
Police say Kovachy is listed as homeless and has no ties to the community.