Cops: Woman used service dog to try to shoplift

BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. (AP) — Spartanburg County authorities say a woman was arrested after trying to use a service dog to shoplift items from a Walmart in Boiling Springs the day after Christmas.

Deputies say they were called to the store Monday after officials there said they witnessed Elaine Smith leave the store without paying for several items.

Deputies say Smith put items from several departments in the basket of the motorized cart she was using. A Walmart employee says he saw Smith put the items underneath her service dog’s blanket before buying two bags of ice and leaving the store.

Smith told authorities she used a service dog for 32 illnesses but did not specify them. It wasn’t clear if she had an attorney. Her service dog was released to a friend.