CHILLICOTHE, OH — In a case that feels more like a sitcom than a police blotter, Chillicothe officers were dispatched to Walmart on May 1 in response to a theft in progress — and yes, it involved donuts.
According to a report filed by Officer Lance Canterbury, officers were en route to the scene when the suspect, later identified as Jessica Vanhoy, made a sweet escape. Refusing to stop when approached by Walmart Loss Prevention staff, Vanhoy reportedly fled the store, hopped into a red Hyundai (with Nevada plates), and drove past Murphy’s fuel station.
Officer Campbell initiated a traffic stop on the getaway vehicle while Canterbury followed up with Loss Prevention employee, who had reviewed security footage. The video revealed that Vanhoy had failed to scan several items at self-checkout, including makeup, a candy bar, and — tragically — a box of donuts and more candy tucked away in her cart.
Walmart told officers that Vanhoy passed all points of sale before he attempted to stop her, prompting her foot chase to the car. At some point during the getaway, the donuts were reportedly thrown from the vehicle and, as the report solemnly states, were “unrecoverable.”
The total value of the pilfered goods? A not-so-grand total of $24.39.
At Walmart’s request, Vanhoy was issued a summons for theft and criminal mischief. She is scheduled to appear in Chillicothe Municipal Court on May 9, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
No word yet on whether the donuts were cream-filled or glazed, but it’s safe to say justice may be served — just not on a dessert plate.
