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Friday, May 24, 2013 | 1:15 a.m.

Updated: 6:35 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012 | Posted: 2:11 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Mother, son accused of going on shopping spree with stolen credit card in Bridgeville

BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. —

Police arrested a mother and have issued an arrest warrant for her son, both of whom are accused of going on a shopping spree with a stolen credit card in Bridgeville.

Authorities said Wanda Balukas, 51, and her son, Michael Tharp, 28, are accused of stealing a wallet from Sauce Restaurant on Washington Avenue in Bridgeville and using a credit card at various businesses.

According to police, Tharp drove as Balukas bought beer, cigarettes and liquor with the stolen credit card at 7-11, the Beer Warehouse, a State Liquor Store and Kmart.

Authorities said the next morning, Tharp smashed a window at DiMario's and stole the cash register. The register was recovered a short time later nearby.

Detectives said they eventually caught up with Balukas, but she did not cooperate while she was being arrested and tried to kick and bite police officers.

“She continued to struggle to the point that officers had to stop the car on their way to jail and recuff her,” a police officer said.

Officers eventually used a Taser and a mask to cover her face. Balukas was charged with aggravated assault, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest for fighting the officers. She is also facing charges of receiving stolen property, credit card fraud and theft.

Police said they’re anxious to get Tharp in custody. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police.

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