What would have been an arrest for shoplifting at the Boardman Meijer store turned into a robbery charge because the suspect had a gun in her purse.

According to a police report, Diane Parkhurst, 53, of Boardman was arrested Thursday evening after she allegedly failed to scan 19 items of merchandise worth a total of $212 at the self-checkout.

When asked by police, Parkhurst said she had a gun in her purse.

The officer found a Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver loaded with five hollow-point rounds.

Even though Parkhurst had a permit to legally carry a concealed weapon, police charged her with robbery because of the presence of the gun during the alleged theft.

Parkhurst is scheduled to appear in court to answer the charge next week.