Woman Who Allegedly Injured Menard’s Store Employee Charged

A woman who police say shoplifted from a Menards store in St. Louis County and ran over a store employee while trying to escape is in police custody.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports 31-year-old Debbie Penn, of St. Louis County, was charged Tuesday with first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, stealing, and fourth-degree assault. She is being held on $250,000 bond.

Police say Penn had several children with her when they left the store near Ballwin Wednesday with a cart full of items she hadn't purchased.

A Menards worker, 49-year-old Michelle Arthur, stood in front of Penn's car to prevent her from leaving. Police say Penn drove into Arthur, who fell off the car when Penn drove away.

Arthur was hospitalized with a head injury. Her condition was not available Tuesday.