Boot Stealing Teenagers Busted Following Shoplifting Spree

Police are accusing up to four teenagers with stealing merchandise from stores and then selling it again on Facebook Marketplace.

Investigators say it started with a shoplifting spree at the Gunbarrel Boot Barn.

The store manager reported that a group of three stole more than $2,000 worth of products on December 14.

She said one walked out in a $300 pair of boots.

Video shows Browning passing all points of sale and leaving with the stolen merchandise at a different Boot Barn in Hixson.

The store manager also reported the suspects stole nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise on December 12, but a report was not recorded.

A week later, they identified both 19-year-olds Tyler Browning and Makalia Mangram as suspects.

Police say they caught Browning at a third shoplifting scene, trying to get away with a $600 pair of boots.

The investigation claims that Browning orchestrated the thefts and used the others to help him do it.

Categories: Chattanooga, Consumer News, Crime, Featured