(August 30, 2024) — On June 2, 2024, at approximately 7:40 PM, officers working for the Cape Coral Police Department responded to 1890 Northeast Pine Island Road (Target) in Cape Coral regarding a retail theft.
Officers spoke with Target’s loss prevention staff, who advised that a female, later identified as Tabetha Crystal Doden (DOB 12/16/1986), grabbed three sets of leggings, a pink shirt, and a gray Bratz sweatshirt from the women’s clothing department. Ms. Doden walked over to the shoe department next and took off her shoes, replacing them with a new pair in a shoe box. Ms. Doden placed the new shoes on and put her old shoes in the shoe box.
Later, Ms. Doden walked out, concealing the items she had just gathered, and proceeded to walk to the exit, still holding all the items. She then passes all points of sale and is encountered by the loss prevention staff near the exit doors. Ms. Doden pushes a loss prevention member out of her way and rides away on her bicycle with the stolen items.
Detectives used a variety of investigative techniques to identify Ms. Doden using the security footage from Target. Once they received a positive identification, the investigation revealed that Ms. Doden has six prior theft convictions in Lee County.
Tabetha Doden was already in custody at the Lee County Jail on unrelated charges. The Cape Coral Police Department’s Property Crimes Detectives charged her with the following:
–1 count in violation of Florida State Statute 812.014(3)(c), Grand Theft, a Felony of the Third Degree
–1 count in violation of Florida State Statute 784.03(1)(a)1, Battery, a Misdemeanor of the First Degree
Arrested: Tabetha Crystal Doden (DOB 12/16/1986, Transient)
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