Suspect Accused of Robbing Retail Employee Arrested After Driving Stolen Vehicle

JONESBORO, Ark. — A suspect accused of assaulting a retail employee and stealing merchandise was arrested after police later located her driving a vehicle reported stolen, according to an affidavit.

According to the affidavit, on Feb. 17, 2026, an employee of a local retail store reported that a woman attempted to walk out of the store with merchandise without paying. When the employee approached and asked for the items to be returned, the suspect allegedly told the employee she would call police if the items were not given to her.

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The employee told officers the suspect then stomped on her toes and shoved her out of the way before leaving the store with about $120 worth of merchandise.

According to the affidavit, the employee followed the suspect outside and took photos of the suspect and the vehicle she left in.

Investigators later learned the vehicle identified by its license plate had been reported stolen, with the owner estimating its value at about $9,800.

On Feb. 20, Jonesboro police located the vehicle and identified Tasia Tyler as the driver. According to the affidavit, Tyler had a warrant through the Arkansas Board of Parole and refused to provide her full name to officers.

Police said Tyler matched the suspect shown in the photos provided by the retail employee. The employee later viewed a six-person photo lineup on Feb. 23, and identified Tyler as the woman who assaulted her and stole the merchandise.

Tyler, 32, was arrested for robbery, a Class B felony; theft by receiving property valued between $5,000 and $25,000, a Class C felony; theft, second-degree assault, and obstructing governmental operations, misdemeanors.

Judge Tommy Fowler set bail at $100,000 cash or surety and ordered an ankle monitor and a no-contact order. Court records indicate the judge noted prior failures to appear on Tyler’s record.

Tyler’s next court date is scheduled for April 23.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.