CLARKSTON, WA – A woman is facing burglary, theft, and identity theft charges after police say she stole merchandise from the Clarkston Walmart while trespassed from the store and provided false information regarding her identity, according to court records.

Melissa Inez Sangster, 36, was arrested on Tuesday. According to the arresting officer’s statement, on Aug. 10 at about 7 p.m., Clarkston police were dispatched to a theft in progress at Walmart.

An officer located a woman matching the suspect’s description in an alley between 7th and 8th streets. She identified herself using a false name and was detained. While searching the area, the officer found a black bag under a nearby truck containing new merchandise.

According to the documents, as the officer began reading Miranda rights, Sangster said she was not feeling well and appeared to lose consciousness. Medics responded, and she was transported to Tri-State Hospital.

Walmart loss prevention identified the woman as the suspect and confirmed the recovered bag and boots she was wearing were stolen. Store staff said she had entered the store, filled the bag with merchandise, and attempted to leave after paying only for some food items. The unpaid items totaled $429.52.

Deputies later confirmed the woman was Sangster. Court records state Sangster had been trespassed from all Walmart locations since Oct. 25, 2017, and had a prior burglary arrest at the same store in 2020.  An Asotin County Deputy also advised the arresting officer that Sangster was known to give false names and have “a seizure like episode” during past encounters with law enforcement.

Police allege Sangster gave the false name to avoid a felony burglary charge and that using the identity of another person could have resulted in criminal and legal consequences for that person.

Sangster was booked into the Asotin County Jail on charges of second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, and second-degree identity theft.