An alleged attempt by an East Liverpool woman to cheat the self-scan registers at the Boardman Walmart turned into a more serious crime because police say she had a gun in her purse.

Last week, store security stopped 32-year-old Tia Miller after spotting her allegedly scanning tags on items that were less expensive than the merchandise she left the store with.

Police say they found a loaded, pink and black 9mm handgun in a purse being carried by Miller, who has no permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Although Miller didn’t handle the weapon during the alleged theft, police charged her with robbery as well as the conceal carry offense.

Miller was booked into the county jail where she is being held for a court hearing scheduled on Tuesday.