Woman accused of heart monitor theft

Friday, May 14, 2010 6:45 am

WCF Courier

WATERLOO -- A Waterloo woman was arrested after she allegedly checked herself out of a hospital with medical equipment still attached to her.

Police said 45-year-old Wendi Mae Mingus was a patient at Allen Hospital May 8 when she walked outside telling staff she was taking a cigarette break.

But Mingus had her street clothes underneath her hospital gown and was carrying a bag with her belongings.

And she was also attached to a wireless heart monitor valued at $1,000.

Staff told her she couldn't go outside to smoke unless she was discharged, but she continued to leave, according to court records.

The following day, police found Mingus when she allegedly tried to break through a wall in an apartment building at 801 W. Fourth St., court records state. Mingus told police she was trying to get to her purse.

Mingus was arrested for second-degree theft and fifth-degree criminal mischief.