MERRILLVILLE | A 25-year-old Gary woman told police she was high on cough syrup and cocaine during an auto theft she is accused of committing, court records allege.
About 6 p.m. Wednesday, Merrillville police stopped a Toyota Camry driven by Vanessa Powell following a report of a theft at Kmart, 101 W. U.S. 30.
Police said they determined the car was reported stolen Sept. 7 from a Griffith residence.
Powell told police she entered the vehicle to take a pack of cigarettes on the dashboard, but she took the vehicle after she noticed keys were in the ignition, court records state.
Powell was charged with felony auto theft in Lake Criminal Court.
Alex Clevenger, 24, who was a passenger in the car when it was stopped Wednesday, is accused of stealing more than $200 worth of merchandise from Kmart.
Clevenger, of Griffith, was charged with misdemeanor conversion in Merrillville Town Court, police said.
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