Woman arrested at Walmart after row with employees over bringing opossum into store

Stephanie Kathleen James (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester woman was arrested on Friday after police say she became disruptive at Walmart when employees told her an opossum she had with her could not stay in the store.

The incident unfolded a little after 6 p.m. when store employees noticed the woman pushing a shopping cart with the opossum draped around her head and neck area, according to a police report.

Rochester Police Capt. Todd Pinkham said the woman was told the opossum couldn't remain in the store, but ignored their requests and continued farther into the store.

Walmart employees continued to follow her and tell her the marsupial could not stay, Pinkham added.

According to police reports, the woman then put the opossum in her shopping cart and left if there before picking up items off the shelves. She also began throwing merchandise including milk which spilled on the floor, Pinkham said.

Employees were trying to calm her down when police arrived and placed her under arrest.

Stephanie Kathleen James, 30, of North Main Street, was charged with theft by unauthorized taking, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

Police said at one point a male was seen holding the opossum and taking it outside.