An annual holiday mall operation has netted two suspects and nearly $700 in stolen goods, Tampa Police say.
While working a special assignment as part of the Deck the Malls holiday operation at International Plaza, police say officers recognized a suspect from a previous shoplifting offense.
Police say 22-year-old Cedric Sanders was dressed as a woman and the officer recognized him from the previous offense where he was also dressed as a woman.
When Sanders and the other suspect, identified as 21-year-old Terral Norris, saw the officer, police say they ran and threw their shopping bags to the ground.
Once outside, the suspects fled on foot through the parking lot. Officers caught the suspects and transported them to jail without incident.
Police say the stolen merchandise included skinny jeans, polo shirts and shorts from various stores. Police say they also had a "booster bag," which is used to defeat anti-theft equipment.