Ulta Theft Investigation Brings Charges In St. Clair County

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – Three women were arrested Aug. 25, 2026, after Fairview Heights police said they stole 49 fragrance items valued at about $3,800 from Ulta Beauty at 6621 N. Illinois St. in Fairview Heights and fled officers in a vehicle pursuit through multiple communities.

Officers with the Fairview Heights Police Department responded at approximately 6:22 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2026, to Ulta Beauty regarding a reported retail theft. Police said three female suspects entered the store, filled shopping bags with fragrances and left with the merchandise.

After leaving the store, the suspects entered a vehicle and fled southbound on North Illinois Street, police said. A Fairview Heights officer located and intercepted the vehicle, but when the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit.

The pursuit continued through Fairview Heights, O’Fallon, Caseyville and Collinsville before ending on Collinsville Road. Police said a neighboring law enforcement agency deployed spike strips, which helped officers stop the pursuit.

With assistance from the Caseyville Police Department, Collinsville Police Department and Illinois State Police, officers took all three suspects into custody without incident.

Fairview Heights Police Department detectives presented the case to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric’s Office. After reviewing the case, the following charges were issued against the three suspects:

Niasja S. Cleary

Retail Theft over $300 (Class 3 Criminal Felony)

Aggravated Fleeing Police/21 MPH Over (Class 4 Criminal Felony)

Obstructing a Peace Officer (Class A Criminal Misdemeanor)

Obstructing Identification (Class A Criminal Misdemeanor)

Minasja S. Cleary

Retail Theft over $300 (Class 3 Criminal Felony)

Aggravated Fleeing Police/21 MPH Over (Class 4 Criminal Felony)

Jaunee M. Timothy

Retail Theft over $300 (Class 3 Criminal Felony)

The Fairview Heights Police Department thanked the Caseyville Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, Illinois State Police and other assisting agencies for their efforts.

“Retail theft impacts our businesses, employees, and community, and those who come to Fairview Heights intending to commit these crimes should understand our response does not end at the city limits,” the department said. “We will continue working closely with our neighboring law enforcement partners to identify, apprehend, and hold offenders accountable.”

These charges, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.