Security chases ‘handicapped’ couple
A Woodbury couple faces not only shoplifting charges, but they will also get a stiff fine for illegally parking their getaway vehicle in a handicapped zone.
The couple, Ernest R. Mooneyham, 56, and Joyce Mooneyham, 54, did not seem handicapped, lawmen say, when they were chased on foot by Wal-Mart security through the store parking lot. Security personnel wanted to talk to the couple on suspicion of shoplifting – a suspicion which was later confirmed with police reportedly finding $144 worth of small stolen items in their vehicle. The 19 stolen items were minor including things like a watch, legal pad and pens.
According to McMinnville Police Capt. Bryan Denton, police responded to the shoplifting call and found Wal-Mart security detaining the suspects near their car, which was parked in a handicapped zone.
A closer inspection revealed the couple did have a handicapped parking permit in their window. However, the plaque had been illegally modified. Specifically, Denton said someone had used White-out to change the expiration date which had been expired for several months. Illegal parking in a handicapped zone carries a $133 fine.
Along with facing shoplifting and illegal parking charges, Mrs. Mooneyham is also charged with possession of drugs. Police say they found 37 hydrocodone pills in her purse.
Adding insult to injury for the couple, their car was towed from the handicapped zone, meaning they will also have to pay an impound bill.