Motorized Scooter Allegedly Used In Grocery Theft At Leonardtown Food Lion

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A routine day at a Leonardtown grocery store turned into a theft investigation after store employees reported suspicious behavior captured on surveillance cameras, leading to criminal charges tied to two alleged shoplifting incidents on consecutive visits, according to police.

Doris Elizabeth Thomas, 61, of no fixed address, has been charged with theft of property valued at $100 to under $1,500 and attempted theft of property valued at $100 to under $1,500, according to police and court records. A summons was issued Jan. 15, 2026, and a preliminary inquiry is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2026.

On Jan. 14, 2026, officers responded to a reported theft at Food Lion in Leonardtown, where they made contact with the store’s manager. The manager reported that the initial incident allegedly occurred the previous day, Jan. 13, 2026.

According to the report, Thomas entered the grocery store utilizing an electric motorized scooter and was observed traveling through multiple aisles while selecting food items. Store staff estimated the value of the items at approximately $150. Police allege Thomas exited the store without paying for the merchandise.

The manager further reported that Thomas later returned to the store without the motorized scooter. During the second visit, employees observed Thomas placing items into her purse and pockets, prompting a store employee to confront her, according to police.

When the employee stepped away to retrieve the manager, Thomas allegedly removed the items from her person and exited the store. As she was exiting, the manager approached Thomas, who reportedly stated, “I don’t have anything in my purse,” according to police documents.

Law enforcement reviewed surveillance footage from Food Lion, which police say appeared to corroborate the store employees’ accounts of both incidents.

Under Maryland law, theft or attempted theft of property valued at $100 to under $1,500 is classified as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of up to 18 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 for each count, upon conviction.

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