Store owner captures suspect in downtown Turlock theft attempt
A business owner confronted and restrained a woman allegedly attempting to shoplift from her store in downtown Turlock on Tuesday.
Officers with the Turlock Police Department responded to a report of a retail theft in progress at Moon Child Crystal Shop at around 12:48 p.m.
When they arrived, they found 36-year-old Toni Louise Parsons pinned to the floor. The investigation found Parsons used force to retain stolen property when confronted by the proprietor, according to TPD.
Parsons was arrested and booked on suspicion of robbery and petty theft with two or more prior convictions.
Video of the incident was later posted to Facebook on Wednesday night by the shop’s neighboring business, Rustic Roots. The two stores share a building and a front entrance.
The footage shows Parsons placing items in her pocket and walking away. In a later clip, shopkeeper and former correctional officer Megan Burk-Rios is seen pulling Parsons back inside the store, placing her in a hold and then pinning her to the floor. The items allegedly taken can be seen scattered on the ground.
According to TPD, the merchandise that was nearly stolen is valued at approximately $150.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve had an adrenaline rush like that,” wrote Burk-Rios on Facebook.
This story was originally published February 20, 2026 at 4:33 PM.
