Off-duty police officer stops Iowa City shoplifter

An Iowa City woman is in custody after an off-duty Iowa City police detective stopped the woman from fleeing a Hy-Vee store during an alleged attempted robbery.

According to a criminal complaint, police were called to Hy-Vee, 812 S. First Ave., at 4:16 p.m. Monday for a report of a shoplifter fighting with staff. Upon arrival, officers found Kevin Bailey, an off-duty detective, holding a woman on the ground. The woman was identified as 19-year-old Tyshiana L. Mahomes.

Bailey told officers he saw Hy-Vee staff trying to stop Mahomes for shoplifting when she began to run into the parking lot in an attempt to flee the scene. Bailey said a manager grabbed Mahones and she responded by shoving and punching the manager in the face, according to the complaint.

Bailey then identified himself as a police officer and was able to bring Mahomes back into the store despite her continuing to resist. Once back in the store, Bailey said Mahomes continued to resist until she was taken to the ground.

Officers said an entry door to the store was broken during the struggle, and Mahomes was found in possession of two bottles of stolen alcohol. The Hy-Vee manager also complained of right knee pain as a result of the incident.

Mahomes was charged with second-degree robbery, a Class C felony, and removal of a theft detection device, a misdemeanor.

She is being held in the Johnson County Jail on a $10,000 cash only bond.