Two Delaware residents face criminal charges after an argument over a smoke shop’s return policy escalated into theft Tuesday evening in Davenport, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies arrived to Skywalker Smoke Shop, located at 162 California Boulevard, at 7:30 p.m. on August 25 after receiving a report of a retail theft.
According to store employees, Mercedes Lynn Ferrell, 25, of Wilmington, Delaware, purchased an item and then left the store before returning shortly later to request a refund. An employee informed Ferrell that the shop has a stringent no-return policy and declined his request.
Deputies claimed Ferrell then called someone on her phone. Moments thereafter, Dominic Toney, 30, of Wilmington, stepped into the establishment.
The employee told deputies that Toney instructed Ferrell, “You already paid for one item, just grab one and let’s go!”
When the worker reiterated that exchanges are not permitted, Toney replied, “No exchange?” “I’ll turn this entire store upside down.”
Toney then removed unpaid products off the shelf. Toney and Ferrell left the facility and drove away in a Jeep Compass with Minnesota license plates.
Deputies discovered the vehicle shortly after, conducted a traffic stop, and arrested both suspects without incident.
Toney and Ferrell were booked at the Sheriff’s Processing Center. Both are charged with first-degree misdemeanor retail theft and second-degree criminal conspiracy to conduct petit theft.
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