Espanola shoplifting attempt leads to arrest, OPP seek female suspect

An undated police image of an Ontario Provincial Police crest for Manitoulin's Espanola detachment. (File photo/Supplied/Ontario Provincial Police)

A 48-year-old local man faces a shoplifting charge following an attempted theft at a store in Espanola earlier this month.

Ontario Provincial Police responded to the incident on April 2 after receiving a report from the store.

“It was reported that two individuals, a male and a female, attempted to leave the store with several unpaid items valued at approximately $1,000,” said police in a news release.

OPP said when store employees intervened, an altercation occurred.

Officers launched an investigation and later located the male suspect on Secord Street on April 15 and he was taken into custody.

The accused, a 48-year-old local man, was charged with shoplifting.

He is scheduled to appear in court on June 1.

Female suspect outstanding

OPP said the female involved in the incident remains at large.

She is described as approximately 30 to 40 years old, about five feet two inches (152 cm) in height, with short red hair and glasses. At the time of the incident, she was wearing a black toque, a dark jacket and a pink hoodie.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.