A Florida woman has been arrested for stealing a lighter from a Dollar General and pushing a pregnant employee, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Details of the Incident
Maria Gritsaev, 34, is charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant woman and shoplifting... Continue reading here ▶
The incident occurred on January 2, 2024, at a Dollar General on Market Avenue in Palm Coast, Florida, about 30 miles north of Daytona Beach.
What Happened
Police say Gritsaev attempted to leave the store without paying for a $2 lighter. An 8-months-pregnant employee stopped her at the entrance. Gritsaev allegedly pushed the employee out of the way and fled the scene on a silver mountain bike.
How She Was Identified
Law enforcement released a blurry surveillance photo of the suspect and asked the public for help. A sharp-eyed social media user identified Gritsaev, leading to her arrest. “This proves that even a bad photo can still get results,” the sheriff’s office said in an Instagram post.
Conflicting Accounts
The employee told police that Gritsaev stole the lighter because she couldn’t afford to pay for it. When the employee blocked her exit, Gritsaev allegedly grabbed and pushed her aside. However, Gritsaev denied the accusations. She claimed she paid for the lighter and left the store without any physical altercation.
Arrest and Charges
Gritsaev was arrested on January 18 and is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $6,000 bond. She is charged with aggravated battery on a pregnant victim and shoplifting.
Ongoing Investigation
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has not provided further details. The case remains under investigation.
