Police: Rochester woman found to have hatchet, machete on her while shoplifting

Megan R. Arnst (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester woman who police say had a hatchet and machete in her possession during a shoplifting incident at a North Main Street convenience store is facing multiple felonies,

Megan R. Arnst, 34, was arrested around 9:20 p.m. the evening of March 3 after police responded to the Cumberland Farms across from Home Depot where they interviewed Arnst. During her arrest police found a hatchet inside her purse and a large machete under her coat, according to Rochester Police Capt. Jeremy Aucoin.

"It was learned that the female had previous convictions for theft which elevated the charge to a Class B Felony Theft by unauthorized Taking," said Aucoin, the department's public information officer.

Arnst was charged with felony theft by unauthorized taking and being a felon in possession of a dangerous weapon after being convicted of felony level charges in the past.

She was released on public recognizance and faces an arraignment on April 14 at 8:30 a.m. in the 7^th Circuit - District Division- Rochester.