Three Busted in Organized Theft Scheme at Sports Store

LUBBOCK, TX—Three people were arrested Thursday for an organized theft at Academy Sports, adding to the list of recent theft reports at the sports equipment and apparel store this week.

According to court documents, Lubbock Police officers responded to a report of a theft in progress at Academy Sports at 5802 19th Street on March 13. When an officer approached the scene, dispatch stated that a woman matching the thief's description was walking south on a nearby sidewalk.

The suspect, later identified as Kalley Galloway, 33, was seen wearing a black shirt and a hat that matched the description provided by dispatch. The officer turned on his emergency lights and siren to detain Galloway.

When the officer stopped Galloway, he told her that she was being detained in connection with a theft at Academy. Court documents state Galloway appeared aloof. The officer identified her, and a backup officer arrived to help.

The arresting officer briefed the backup officer on the situation and asked him to verify the theft from the reporting party. The reporting party confirmed that Galloway and two other people arrived at the store together in an unlisted vehicle and showed the officer surveillance footage.

The two women exited the vehicle about 30 seconds apart and entered the store. Based on the footage, Galloway acted as a lookout while another woman, later identified as Amber Coffin, 26, pulled shoe boxes from store shelves. Galloway was also later seen taking boxes herself.

A few minutes later, Coffin was seen exiting the store with stolen shoes and socks. She entered the vehicle and fled the scene with the driver, later identified as Kelly Halpain, 40, leaving Galloway behind.

Officers had probable cause that the three individuals were part of an organized crime, given their involvement in the theft and through the footage. Galloway was taken into custody and placed in a patrol vehicle after the officer detained her.

Coffin was later found by LPD’s Crime Scene Unit at the 1700 block of Norwich Avenue, just two miles away, still wearing the stolen shoes and socks. Officers recovered the stolen merchandise, arrested Coffin, and took her back to Academy to return the items before transporting her to the Lubbock County Detention Center.

Court documents did not provide details of Halpain's arrest, but the Lubbock County Jail Roster states that he was booked on the same charges as the two women.

Kalley Galloway, Amber Coffin, and Kelly Halpain are held at LCDC on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. Their bonds have been set at $1,500 each.