Authorities say a woman made up a story that her granddaughter was missing inside a Walmart so that her son could steal clothes and candy.
Police in Egg Harbor Township say that Donna Hall and her son Nicholas were charged after Tuesday's incident.
Police say Hall told employees she had last seen the 8-year-old girl in the store's jewelry section.
While the store was locked down, security guards said they saw Nicholas Hall filling bags with clothes and candy. Police later determined there was never a girl there.
Donna Hall was charged with creating a false public alarm and shoplifting and Nicholas was charged with shoplifting and drug possession.
It wasn't immediately known if the pair had attorneys to comment on their behalf.
Copyright The Associated Press
