Evansville, IN – Police say a routine shoplifting incident at a local dollar store escalated into a dangerous confrontation when a woman allegedly attacked an employee with a bottle of Hawaiian Punch and then tried to run him over with her Jeep.
A probable cause affidavit, first detailed in reporting, describes how 34-year-old Melissa Ann Noble was accused of stealing a phone charger and charging block before the encounter turned violent.
Shoplifting Complaint Quickly Escalates
According to investigators, the incident began around 7:30 p.m. Thursday near the Dollar Depot on Washington Avenue. An employee told officers he saw Noble take a cellphone charger and charging block without paying. She reportedly left the store and drove across the street to a gas station in a Jeep, prompting the employee to follow.
The affidavit states that the worker attempted to photograph the vehicle’s license plate for documentation. As he stood behind the Jeep, Noble allegedly confronted him with a large bottle of Hawaiian Punch, swinging it and striking his hand. Officers noted that the bottle was recovered inside the vehicle still partially full.
Employee Says She Tried to Run Him Over
The situation escalated more dramatically when Noble returned to her Jeep. According to the employee’s account within the affidavit, she first put the vehicle in reverse with the worker still behind it, forcing him to quickly move out of the way.
He told police that Noble then shifted into drive and swerved toward him “in an aggressive manner, as if trying to hit him with the car.”
Police say the worker narrowly avoided being struck before the vehicle exited the parking lot.
Officers Locate Suspect Vehicle Nearby
Evansville police later spotted Noble’s Jeep and conducted a traffic stop. According to the affidavit, officers read Noble her Miranda rights, but she did not confirm understanding and instead requested a lawyer. A passenger inside the car told police she was unaware of any theft but admitted that Noble attempted to hit the employee during the confrontation, supporting the worker’s version of events.
Inside the Jeep, officers recovered:
- The cellphone charger and charging block, still in unopened packaging
- The same Hawaiian Punch bottle allegedly used in the assault
These items matched the description provided by the store employee.
Charges Noble Is Now Facing
Law&Crime’s reporting notes that Noble was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond. She is facing multiple charges connected to the confrontation, including:
- Attempted battery with a deadly weapon
- Battery
- Shoplifting
Court records show her next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. As of Monday afternoon, she remained in custody.
Why These Charges Carry Serious Penalties
Attempted battery with a deadly weapon — in this case, the Jeep — is considered a significant offense because vehicles can be legally treated as deadly weapons when used aggressively. In similar cases, courts have emphasized that even without contact, the act of accelerating or steering toward a person can establish criminal intent.
Shoplifting incidents that escalate into violence often result in stacked charges. Prosecutors typically argue that the attempt to flee or assault a witness increases the severity of a case, especially when employees put themselves at risk while trying to document a suspect’s actions.
Community Safety and Store Worker Risks
Incidents like this also highlight the risks retail workers face when handling suspected theft. Confrontations can become unpredictable when suspects attempt to flee or use everyday objects as weapons. Many retailers train employees to avoid physical confrontation, but split-second decisions — such as taking a photo of a license plate — can place workers in dangerous situations.
Experts say that bystanders and employees should focus on gathering information safely without placing themselves directly in harm’s way. Police often recommend maintaining distance and calling authorities rather than approaching suspects.
Vehicle-Related Assaults Have Legal Consequences
Law enforcement agencies continue to warn that vehicle-related assaults remain a growing concern nationwide. While cars are commonly associated with accidental collisions, using a vehicle in an aggressive or threatening manner can lead to felony charges and long-term legal consequences.
Courts typically review factors such as intent, speed, proximity, and the victim’s ability to escape. Even a low-speed attempt — if aimed at a person — can qualify as a criminal act.
Key Takeaways from the Incident
The Evansville case demonstrates how quickly a minor theft complaint can escalate into a life-threatening situation. With eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and statements from a passenger, police say they have built a strong case regarding both the theft and the alleged attempted assault.
What do you think of this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
