Couple charged with retail theft in West Whiteland

WEST WHITELAND » Tis the season to give, but criminals are taking their own holiday gifts.

West Whiteland police said Katana Davis , 33, and Gwendolyn Murray, 32, both of Philadelphia, were charged with retail theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy on Dec. 15 after officers responded to the Target store in the 200 block of Sunrise Boulevard for an alleged $2,161 theft. Davis was also charged with forgery after officers recovered counterfeit currency on her person. Both were remanded to Chester County Prison until they posted their $1,500 bail and were released. During the investigation, police said it was discovered that Davis and Murray were involved with an alleged incident that occurred at the Macy’s store at the Exton Square Mall on Dec. 10. During that incident, a loss prevention officer called 911 to report an alleged theft of $877 in merchandise. The loss prevention officer stated that she was allegedly assaulted by Davis and Murray while she attempted to recover the merchandise. Davis and Murray were charged with robbery, retail theft, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy for the alleged Macy’s incident. Arrest warrants were obtained for both persons and investigators are attempting to serve the warrants.

Retail theft

West Whiteland police said Dollie Hayes, 52, of Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft on Dec. 19 after officers responded to the Boscov’s store at the Exton Square Mall for an alleged $40 theft. Hayes was issued a non-traffic citation and released.

Drugs

West Whiteland police said Alexandra Scerni, 18, of West Chester, was charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia on Dec. 19 after officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 1400 block of Grove Road. Officers made contact with Scerni and recovered the alleged contraband. She was released on a criminal summons.

Theft

Coatesville police responded to the 600 block of Merchant Street on Dec. 14 for a theft report. The victim told police that Saul Wilson drove her Walmart to return a TV, but after she was unsuccessful with returning the item, he gave her a ride home. The victim said that she went inside and Wilson allegedly left with her TV valued at $348. Coatesville police observed Wilson in the area of Harmony and Pearl streets on Dec. 20. Police said Wilson had active warrants and was taken into custody. Police said that Wilson was additionally found to be under the influence in a public place.

Attempted robbery and assault

Coatesville police on patrol in the area of the Turkey Hill at 100 West Kings Highway on Dec. 4 at 10 p.m. were alerted by employees about an injured person in the store. Police made contact with a minor who was bloody, disoriented and laying on the floor. During the investigation, police dis-

covered that the boy had been talking on his phone in the 500 block of Walnut Street when three or four men, who had their faces partially covered, attempted to steal his phone from him. The suspects hit the boy several times, but he said he was able to recover his cellphone and run away. The victim was transported to Brandywine Hospital for treatment of minor facial injuries, according to police. The investigation is ongoing. Police ask that anyone with information to call the Coatesville Police Department at 610384-2300.