A TV traffic reporter in Connecticut was snagged walking out of a Sears carrying several items she allegedly didn’t pay for. But, says the journalist, everything should be cool, because it was all part of a story she was working on.

The 33-year-old was caught at the store in Wesport, CT, with a Hawaiian shirt, a bottle of cologne, two pairs of earrings and a necklace.

According to police, she had taken these items with her into a changing room and no longer appeared to be carrying them when she exited.

An inspection of the room found the tags for the items, but nothing was done until the reporter exited the Sears, at which point she was approached by security.

When questioned by police at the store, she “stated that she is a freelance news reporter, and she was doing something on the side.”

Well, she’s definitely freelancing now because the TV station that had employed her has put her on leave while she is “attending to personal matters.”

She will be arraigned July 6 on a charge of sixth-degree larceny.

Reporter: Shoplifting was part of a “freelance” assignment [CTpost.com]

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