Oak Lawn police were called to a local grocery store for a report of a woman shoplifting $50 worth of beef sandwiches and Benadryl before sprinting from the store, reports said.

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Linda L. Winkler, 53, of the 4900 block of West 84^th Street in Burbank, was arrested around 10:30 a.m. Aug. 21.

According to the report, Winkler was observed removing the items from the shelves at Freshline Foods, 5335 W. 95^th St. and concealing them in her purse. Employees said Winkler threatened to jump in front of a car when confronted outside the store.

Police said Winkler fled emptying her purse of the stolen items as she ran away.

When police arrived, they spotted a car picking up a female passenger matching the alleged shoplifter’s description. Police stopped the car in traffic on the 9300 block of South 54^th Court.

The driver told police he didn’t know the woman, identified as Winkler, and was driving down 95^th Street when she opened the passenger door and asked him for a ride, reports said.

Police said the driver agreed to give Winkler a ride “because she looked harmless enough.”

The employee positively identified Winkler at the scene of her arrest. Police also found Advil and Chloraseptic in her purse, reports said.

Winkler was charged with retail theft and banned from returning to Freshline Foods. She is to appear in court in Bridgeview on Sept. 28.

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