Survillance photos released by Sheriff's Office

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help today in identifying a woman accused of stealing underwear, perfume and shirts from a Lehigh store, then threatening a store security worker with a gun after being questioned about the theft.

Around 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, a Lee County Sheriff’s spokesman said a heavyset Hispanic female was shopping at the Bealls Outlet store, located at 1209 Homestead Road.

A loss prevention officer for the store spotted the woman who picked out a purse, then removed the stuffing from inside the bag, investigators said. She then selected various items, including underwear, perfume and shirts and proceeded to the fitting room.

A few minutes later, she left the fitting area with a bulging purse, and none of the items she brought into the room, investigators said.

When her shopping trip was over, she promptly left the store and took off in a 2000 gold Chevy Silverado extended cab SUV with 20-inch rims.

Surveillance photos released by Sheriff's Office. If you know this person, get in touch with Crime Stoppers.

The loss prevention officer followed her out, and caught up with the woman at a nearby Circle K store.

When the officer asked the woman about the items, she began to yell and cause a scene, telling the man that she had a gun, investigators said.

At that point, the security officer retreated, only to turn around and see the female pointing a black revolver in his direction. He immediately ran for cover, while the female sped off, investigators said.

At this point, the unidentified female is facing charges of petit theft, and potentially aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Anyone with information on the identity and/or location of the woman in the accompanying photos is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477).

All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at “http://www.swflcrimestoppers.org”>www.swflcrimestoppers.org or on the

Tip Submit app on any iPhone, said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers coordinator.