RICHMOND, Ky. (WKYT) - Police say they may have busted a shoplifting ring that targeted JCPenney stores in several states.

Richmond police arrested 52-year-old Patricia Snowdy. They say she was trying to steal close to $1,000 worth of merchandise at the JCPenney's there.

JCPenney employees told police Snowdy tried leaving their store with more than $900 in draperies. They say a man with her dropped his own bag of JCPenney merchandise and ran away when he saw Snowdy get caught. Investigators later found out his bag contained items stolen from a different JCPenney.

Shopper Amanda Tinsley was surprised to hear of a possible theft ring coming through Richmond, but that's exactly what police think happened. They believe Snowdy was part of a group traveling state to state, shoplifting from JCPenney, then returning the stolen items for refunds. Tinsley made a return at JCPenney right before WKYT talked with her Monday afternoon. She said that her clerk was very thorough.

"She was very nice, she asked me my name and stuff and she said 'did you buy these items together?' and I said, 'yes, I paid online.' It took a little longer than it usually does. So she made sure everything was all right on my account," explained Tinsley.

Snowdy was lodged in the Madison County Detention Center. She has since bonded out.