Lottery hoax causes riot at Ohio coat store

Oct 15, 2009, 10:12 am (95 comments)

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Updated with new video report
Oct. 15, 2009, 1:27 p.m.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A woman being driven around in a rented limousine pulled up at a coat store and announced she'd won the lottery and would pay for everyone's purchases, police said, but she ended up causing a riot when customers realized it was a hoax.

Angry customers threw merchandise around and looted, leaving the store looking as though a hurricane had passed through it, police said.

Linda Brown was arrested Tuesday after an hours-long shopping spree that began when she hired a stretch Hummer limousine to drop her off at a Burlington Coat Factory store, police Sgt. Lt. Michael Deakins said. Brown walked to a cash register and loudly announced she had won the lottery and would pay for each person's merchandise up to $500, he said.

"Well, of course, people like to hear that," Deakins said. "Apparently they were in line calling relatives who were not at the store and told them to come."

People flooded the registers as cashiers began ringing up purchase after purchase, but Brown had not yet paid the bill, Deakins said. At least 500 people filled the aisles and another 1,000 were outside trying to get in, he said.

"She was telling people she won $1.5 million," Deakins said. "But it ends up she didn't win anything. She had no money to pay for anything."

About an hour later, Brown had the limousine driver take her to a bank to withdraw money, but she returned empty-handed, police Detective Steven Nace said. By then, store employees had called in two dozen police officers to handle the crowds.

Shopper Candace Jordan said she told Brown she didn't need clothes, she needed help paying her rent.

"And she said, 'How much is it?'" Jordan told WBNS-TV. "And she promptly wrote out a check."

By the time employees realized Brown didn't have any cash to pay, police said, she already had taken off in the limo.

That's when angry customers, realizing they weren't getting free coats, began throwing merchandise on the floor and grabbing clothes without paying for them, Nace said.

"Everybody was like, 'I still want my free stuff,' and that started the riot," he said. "It looks like (Hurricane) Katrina went through the store."

Police said they have no way of tracking down the customers who stole items and fled, but they're reviewing surveillance video.

When the limousine driver realized he wasn't going to be paid the $900 Brown owed him for the day's rental, he turned her in to police, Deakins said.

Brown, 44, was arrested on three outstanding warrants for aggravated menacing, misuse of a 911 system and causing false alarms. She was jailed late Wednesday, but no charges had been filed against her related to the coat store chaos pending a mental health evaluation.

Police said they didn't know if Brown had a lawyer. No telephone number was listed under her name, and no one answered repeated phone calls at the Franklin County Jail.

A spokeswoman for Burlington Coat Factory, which is based in Burlington, N.J., and has more than 300 stores across the country, said late Wednesday she couldn't comment on the incident.

AP

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fwlawrence's avatarfwlawrence

She hired a limousine and then went to a Burlington Coat Factory?  That  should tell you something right there!

mymonthlypicks's avatarmymonthlypicks

This is so Funny, True why such a low end coat factory I agree that should of open some eyes.

rdgrnr's avatarrdgrnr

It would have been even more insane if she actually had won the 1.5 million.

Giving $500 each to 1500 people would have taken most of her after tax winnings.

RJOh's avatarRJOh

Just goes to show you that you don't have to win a lottery jackpot to experience the foolishness of winning one.

kennedygrandma's avatarkennedygrandma

That is so sad. Some people will fall for anything. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

computerhead723's avatarcomputerhead723

Quote: Originally posted by fwlawrence on Oct 15, 2009

She hired a limousine and then went to a Burlington Coat Factory?  That  should tell you something right there!

wow  people  are  so  gullible  and watch  way  too  much  Television :

just  who  walks  in  a  store  and  tell  everyone  they  hit  the  lottery ?

people  are  STUPID ......Agree with stupid

Litebets27's avatarLitebets27

When I saw this on world news last night I thought, "how psychotic she looked." Did she not think of how much trouble she was getting herself into? But then I thought, maybe she had a dream that was so real, she actual thought she had won. OR She had the actual winning numbers on an old ticket and thought she actually won. OR

SHE WANTED ATTENTION!!

I pray that God helps her through what ever her problem is.

joshuakim

wow, just wow.

CAL-LottoPlayer

"Brown, 44, was arrested on three outstanding warrants for aggravated menacing, misuse of a 911 system and causing false alarms. She was jailed late Wednesday, but no charges had been filed against her related to the coat store chaos pending a mental health evaluation."

It's obvious to me she's not running on all cylinders.  Crazy  This story is so funny.  It's incredible that people would have the nerve to run out of the store with coats they didn't pay for.  Apparently, if someone says they'll pay for your coat and they don't, people still think they can walk out with a coat they didn't pay for. 

BTW, this has happened twice before under similar circumstances:  Two people in different states ran a hoax Craigslist ad saying anyone who showed up at an address could take anything they wanted.  In the first case, the house was in a rural area and people came and cleaned out the house while the owner while still there.  When the owner insisted nothing was being given away, people took things anyway.  When police arrived, they had to chase down people driving away with the owner's possessions.  In the second case, a disgruntled former renter (or relative) ran a Craigslist ad for a vacant house.  Because the owner was not there, people literally took everything including the kitchen sink!

Grovel's avatarGrovel

All I can say is "Wow...".

ThatScaryChick's avatarThatScaryChick

The whole thing is crazy!

Starr920

According to her daughter, the woman is mentally ill and went off her medication. 

 

http://www.breitbart.tv/womans-lie-about-lottery-win-triggers-riot-in-ohio-store/

savagegoose's avatarsavagegoose

LOL such a sense of entitlement, lets loot and wreck someones hard earned business.

 

oh its so funny, but so sad.

MADDOG10's avatarMADDOG10

Quote: Originally posted by Starr920 on Oct 15, 2009

According to her daughter, the woman is mentally ill and went off her medication. 

 

http://www.breitbart.tv/womans-lie-about-lottery-win-triggers-riot-in-ohio-store/

No she didn't, Obama was supposed to write her a stimulas check for her vote, but hasn't gotten around to her, because he's jet setting around the globe with his Obamanites in tow...!

This woman needs help like the rest of this country.

konane's avatarkonane

When anything appears to good to be true ..... it is 99.9% of the time.

GamerMom's avatarGamerMom

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Oct 15, 2009

No she didn't, Obama was supposed to write her a stimulas check for her vote, but hasn't gotten around to her, because he's jet setting around the globe with his Obamanites in tow...!

This woman needs help like the rest of this country.

What does Obama have to do with this? Is it because she's black?

Jpuck87

That lady should be put away for a long time for pulling a stunt like that she's lucky that no one got hurt!

jeffrey's avatarjeffrey

Quote: Originally posted by mymonthlypicks on Oct 15, 2009

This is so Funny, True why such a low end coat factory I agree that should of open some eyes.

Wow, kind of hurts my feelings. I have shopped there and the coat I got I use 20 years later.  Easy to spend a lot. I used to live 1 mile from that store and it waconvenient. Lots of desperate and greedy people out there. Funny people think things could actually be free though.BananaGuess we need to sing "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" to cheer up.Banana

ThatScaryChick's avatarThatScaryChick

Quote: Originally posted by mymonthlypicks on Oct 15, 2009

This is so Funny, True why such a low end coat factory I agree that should of open some eyes.

What's wrong with Burlington Coat Factory? I haven't been in one, in over 5 years, but what is so wrong with shopping there? Do you only shop at high-class, Beverly Hills stores?

joshuakim

Quote: Originally posted by GamerMom on Oct 15, 2009

What does Obama have to do with this? Is it because she's black?

seriously you inferred that ^^^^ from his post?

 

i dont think you are in a position to criticize maddogg's post.

joshuakim

Quote: Originally posted by ThatScaryChick on Oct 16, 2009

What's wrong with Burlington Coat Factory? I haven't been in one, in over 5 years, but what is so wrong with shopping there? Do you only shop at high-class, Beverly Hills stores?

i dont think he/she was poking fun at those who shop at Burlington Coat Factory. But the fact that a lottery winner would shop at a place that sells clothes that have been sent to them due to excess inventory, lack of sales and appeal. Hence why he/she said "open your eyes" to those who were tricked by this crazy woman - since things didnt look right from the start.

lady bren's avatarlady bren

LOL''  this was the funniest  joke of all, this woman has dellusion of grandeur. 

  I read this  skit for my daughter and husband and [ LOL]  was thinking the same thing,

how gullible and naive some people are, this lady is crazy, she put her  life in danger  she should

be lock up in the mental institution.  Those people that continue stealing after find out that was a hoax

should  go to prison, they are criminal  World dummiest idiot's.[ LOL LOL LOL]

mjwinsmith's avatarmjwinsmith

Quote: Originally posted by joshuakim on Oct 16, 2009

seriously you inferred that ^^^^ from his post?

 

i dont think you are in a position to criticize maddogg's post.

Why would they not be in a position to criticize Maddogg?

 

The last time I checked this was America, Maddogg has a RIGHT to say what he wants, and people have a RIGHT to criticize or applaud his view.

buttercake's avatarbuttercake

Amazing but stupid

Litebets27's avatarLitebets27

Quote: Originally posted by mymonthlypicks on Oct 15, 2009

This is so Funny, True why such a low end coat factory I agree that should of open some eyes.

It's obvious, those who choose to shop at Burlingtons are price conscious and trying to save money while shopping for their needs. I would thing that going to this story to help people who are obviously trying to save a buck, who can't afford or can only afford to shop there would be the people who can use a helping hand.

And, if she had won that amount of money, the money would have gone along away and helped more people then say helping some hobnob snob at Tiffany's.

BuyLow's avatarBuyLow

Folks.........you just can't make this type shiite up.  This made me ROFLMAO!!!!

lank's avatarlank

Quote: Originally posted by MADDOG10 on Oct 15, 2009

No she didn't, Obama was supposed to write her a stimulas check for her vote, but hasn't gotten around to her, because he's jet setting around the globe with his Obamanites in tow...!

This woman needs help like the rest of this country.

I really would like to know what does he had to do with this.  Do you think that he had to buy votes?Sun Smiley

caipiao

lol, when ppl find she doesn't pay, they probably stampede her to death and the  store owner wants to strangle her

CAL-LottoPlayer

Quote: Originally posted by jeffrey on Oct 16, 2009

Wow, kind of hurts my feelings. I have shopped there and the coat I got I use 20 years later.  Easy to spend a lot. I used to live 1 mile from that store and it waconvenient. Lots of desperate and greedy people out there. Funny people think things could actually be free though.BananaGuess we need to sing "Peanut Butter Jelly Time" to cheer up.Banana

"

This is so Funny, True why such a low end coat factory I agree that should of open some eyes."

A long time ago, there was this one little leather coat mall store where they had everything at 25% off.  I was only able to buy one.  I have never found another sale like that for a brown leather bomber jacket.  Very hard to find high quality brown heavy leather bomber jackets on sale, most stores don't carry them or are too expensive.  I doubt even Burlington's has such a sale.

joshuakim

Quote: Originally posted by mjwinsmith on Oct 16, 2009

Why would they not be in a position to criticize Maddogg?

 

The last time I checked this was America, Maddogg has a RIGHT to say what he wants, and people have a RIGHT to criticize or applaud his view.

obviously you didnt comphrehend my post.

the very fact that she deducted nonsensical conclusion from maddogg's post disqualifies her from criticizing maddogg. obviously she has the inherent right to say whatever she wants, but sometimes i like to think that if you are going to say something so fatuous by even slightly accusing someone of being racist than I believe you have already lost the argument and maddogg doenst have to respond to her comment.

Littleoldlady's avatarLittleoldlady

I have never seen a President be blamed for so many things that he has NO CONTROL over.  Stimulus checks?  Blame Bush. People feel now that they have a "right" to them.

As far as the lady goes, she was very wicked and very wild.  I guess she figured may as well go out with a bang or rather I should say riot.

Shopping frugally does not mean that one cannot afford the "best".  It means that they have different priorities.

LckyLary

What is up with Ohio? I wouldn't be surprised if this person is also taking boxing lessons from Elicia Battle!

Anyway, even if I win, I wouldn't be in a limo unless I were going to a funeral!
It would be something like a Jeep Cherokee.

I do need a new coat though...

mjwinsmith's avatarmjwinsmith

Quote: Originally posted by joshuakim on Oct 16, 2009

obviously you didnt comphrehend my post.

the very fact that she deducted nonsensical conclusion from maddogg's post disqualifies her from criticizing maddogg. obviously she has the inherent right to say whatever she wants, but sometimes i like to think that if you are going to say something so fatuous by even slightly accusing someone of being racist than I believe you have already lost the argument and maddogg doenst have to respond to her comment.

It's obvious you drew a conclusion for someone else, my point being that Maddogg and she has a right to say what they want and to debate those points without someone else talking for them.

She had a valid point to ask, and for Maddogg to respond, let Maddogg reply as to what he meant since it was he she asked the question.

Who are you to say she does'nt have the right to question Maddogg or anyone else?

EdAndersonVT

Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on Oct 16, 2009

I have never seen a President be blamed for so many things that he has NO CONTROL over.  Stimulus checks?  Blame Bush. People feel now that they have a "right" to them.

As far as the lady goes, she was very wicked and very wild.  I guess she figured may as well go out with a bang or rather I should say riot.

Shopping frugally does not mean that one cannot afford the "best".  It means that they have different priorities.

I have never seen a President be blamed for so many things as Bush! The lady does need help and so do all those that stole from the business.

PS, People now feel they have a "right" to healthcare thanks to Hillery and Obama!

Littleoldlady's avatarLittleoldlady

I am sorry, I agree with them..they do have a right to reasonable healthcare costs. No one should lose their home because they get sick.

HaveABall's avatarHaveABall

This is VERY frightening, unfunny, and unentertaining!  It is a very expensive theft to Burlington Coat Factory!  It will also be very expensive to clean up after several of the people purposely stepped on and damaged very valuable coats, etc. that were strewn in their path, rather than picking up the item they personally dropped (or the person nearby) to keep it from destruction/damage. 

Consequently, I wonder if this purposely mass theft and vandalization will cause several employees to be laid-off from BCF, and/or if BCF will choose to end its lease and move to a neighborhood that it believes/hopes will be safer to conduct fair business in?  I wonder if any of these thieves will gain the GIFT of remorse and return their stolen items in salable condition?  I wonder if the police department's employees will be able to regain trust or confidence in the human population that lives within a few mile radus of that BCF greately abused store and employees again (I presume that several of BCF's employees -- and probably some police officers -- presant, are going to need fear counseling after this polarized mass theft)?

Shocked Disapprove Roll Eyes Stop

GamerMom's avatarGamerMom

Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on Oct 16, 2009

I am sorry, I agree with them..they do have a right to reasonable healthcare costs. No one should lose their home because they get sick.

+1.

Todd's avatarTodd

Quote: Originally posted by Littleoldlady on Oct 16, 2009

I am sorry, I agree with them..they do have a right to reasonable healthcare costs. No one should lose their home because they get sick.

Last time I checked the Constitution I could not find a right to healthcare, let alone cheap healthcare.

No, I really don't think any such right exists, nor should it.

Grovel's avatarGrovel

Quote: Originally posted by Todd on Oct 17, 2009

Last time I checked the Constitution I could not find a right to healthcare, let alone cheap healthcare.

No, I really don't think any such right exists, nor should it.

Yes, let's just let the poor people die becuase they can not afford to go to the doctor. It's their fault that they are so poor in the first place.

corius$1918!

I too don't see what President Obama has to with a woman creating chaos with a fake giveaway from the lottery prize.  I;m glad she was apprhended and pray she pays for what she's done.  If she's not mentally fit then I pray she gets the help she needs.  The people who took merchandise shoud be prosecuted as the law allow for theft.

 

 

Whild Healthcare was not a right given to us in the Constitution, there should be options which allows for people to obtain affordable coverage and not have to lose their homes or retirement savings due to a major illness.  I love this country with its faults, freedom also means choices.  So Mandatory Purchase of Plan is uncontinuable.

ADIOS

Todd's avatarTodd

Quote: Originally posted by Grovel on Oct 17, 2009

Yes, let's just let the poor people die becuase they can not afford to go to the doctor. It's their fault that they are so poor in the first place.

Sorry, but in America that kind of thing doesn't happen.  Emergency rooms are required by law to treat anyone who doesn't have health insurance.

You see, in this country we already have a great health care system in which nobody "dies" (your words) for lack of health insurance.

In other countries with government-run healthcare, like Canada and England, people DO DIE because they either have to wait so long for their procedures, or else the government says they won't get a life-saving drug because they are too old and "not worth it".

People who actually take 5 minutes to learn about the system from someone other than a shill for the Democrat party knows what I'm saying is true.

TheGameGrl's avatarTheGameGrl

Back to topic-

1: Burlington Coat factory or any business that allows large purchases will do so with the credit card pre-approved or the money in hand. This was in part Burlingtons duty to control this antic. That in part was their undoing.

2: I sincerely do think this lady was mentally unstable

Off Topic:

Footnote: True that hospital must save lives, but the reality is: The bill STILL must be paid by the patient who cant afford it! That is where the problem lays. So yes from a person who is a NON Republican I do have research and experience from the revenue to treat a vegabond and the reality that the bill will be absorbed as a loss. Which is NOT good for any business to sustain. SO yes arent americans lucky that ALL can be treated yet only a few can pay.  Gotta Love free enterprise.

LckyLary

-it is amazing how much anger was raised up by one woman's foolish stunt, even spawning a debate on Healthcare. This chaos is caused by people who *didn't* win. Not everyone is as well-educated as we are on this board, and the woman (I am speculating) maybe upset that people were shunning her for whatever reasons, and figured that if she won the Lottery people would suddenly love her. It would have been possible for her to be generous with whatever credit she had by giving *anonymously* to various charities, food banks, etc. There are ways to bless other people and glorify God (isn't that the purpose?) without putting the attention on oneself.

I remember a few years ago I brought a coat to BCF which was in good condition except for a broken zipper, for a donation program. They were rude to me about it and said they only want brand-new coats and only for a limited time and because I was busy I missed the deadline. I put it in Goodwill and have not since returned to BCF.

I don't agree with the wild speculation that BCF would have massive layoffs etc. because of the incident at the Store. Maybe some of those coats will go to the truly needy. Maybe God moves in ways we don't understand. Or maybe people are right and she deserves the electric chair because of the chain reaction she caused that will ultimately unravel spacetime itself.

By the way... if people truly like you  it shouldn't be because you have money. I always say that if and when I win, I will remember those who were there for me when I was poor.

mylollipop's avatarmylollipop

When I first saw this, I thought, oh noooo!  Then I said, how gullible can people be.  How gullible could the cashiers be???!!!!!  When the first coat was rung up, I would have asked for payment then, NO IF ANDS OR BUTS!  The fiasco would have been nipped in the bud, right then!  Greed on all parts.  Store managers and the customers.  I hope the theives get caught.  That was so stupid of them to steal the store merchandise and destroy it.  So what will the next big stunt be.  This lady needs to be made responsible for the limo driver and other stuff she did.  Betcha she would not think her pranks were so funny then. Jester

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