Reserve police officer nabs woman trying to steal sweet corn

A Cedar Rapids woman who tried to hide sweet corn in her purse Tuesday didn't know the produce employee nearby also was a reserve police officer.

Police said Lisa Lingo, 43, of 804 14th St. SE, tried to take five ears of sweet corn from Hy-Vee, 20 Wilson Ave. SW. Employee and reserve police officer Mike Palumbo intervened.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Palumbo and other employees stopped Lingo after a short foot chase. Full-time officers soon arrived to slap on the handcuffs.

The corn was valued at $3. Lingo was taken to the Linn County Jail on suspicion of fifth-degree theft.

Hamblin said Palumbo has been a reserve officer in Cedar Rapids since 1999. She said most reserve officers work full-time jobs and assist the police department when they can.