Michigan Woman Arrested After Allegedly Stealing Purse From Another Gym Member Inside Planet Fitness Locker Room
MICHIGAN — A woman has been arrested after a heated confrontation at a Planet Fitness location in Michigan led to allegations of theft inside the gym’s locker room. Authorities are investigating after the victim claimed she caught another woman attempting to steal her purse early Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the incident took place at the Planet Fitness gym near 11 Mile and Schoenherr, where gym-goer Arielle Mathews said she returned to the locker room after her workout and discovered another woman rifling through her belongings.
Mathews later shared a video recounting the incident on social media, saying the confrontation quickly escalated when she demanded her items back.
“I walked in and saw her going through my stuff,” Mathews said in her post. “When I confronted her, she tried to play it off, but I wasn’t letting that slide.”
Police Respond After On-Site Altercation
The incident drew immediate attention from gym staff and fellow members, who reportedly called local police after the situation became tense. Officers arrived shortly afterward and took the suspect into custody.
According to early reports, the woman accused of theft was white, while the victim, Mathews, is Black — a detail that quickly sparked conversation online about racial dynamics in public spaces and gym safety.
No injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed that the stolen purse and its contents were recovered. The name of the arrested woman has not yet been released pending formal charges.
Gym Theft Under Investigation
Police are continuing to investigate the theft and are reviewing security footage from inside the locker room area, where the confrontation reportedly took place. Gym management has stated that they are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
Planet Fitness has not yet issued a public statement about the incident but reminded members that personal belongings should always be secured inside lockers.
Viral Reaction and Online Discussion
The case has since gone viral on social media after Mathews’ Facebook post describing the ordeal began circulating across multiple platforms. Many commenters praised Mathews for confronting the alleged thief directly, while others called for better security and camera coverage in locker areas.
“I’m just glad I caught her before she walked out with my stuff,” Mathews wrote. “It’s the principle — people think they can do anything and get away with it.”
Ongoing Case
As of Wednesday morning, authorities confirmed the suspect remains under investigation and could face theft or larceny charges once the case is reviewed by prosecutors.
The gym remained open after the incident, and no further disturbances were reported.
For continuing updates on this case and other community safety news across Michigan, stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, your trusted source for verified local and regional reports.
