Belton woman accused of attempting to run bystander over with her car
String of thefts comes to an end with her arrest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Belton woman accused of attempting to run over a bystander with her car has been revealed to be the suspect in a string of thefts.
Clay County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Friday, May 23, indicate that Tajala R. Jones, 28, of Belton, has been charged with theft after she allegedly attempted to run over a bystander with her car.
A probable cause statement filed by the Kansas City Police Department revealed that around 7:05 p.m. on April 16, law enforcement officials were called to the TJ Maxx at 8510 Evanston Ave. with reports of a disturbance.
When first responders arrived, they said they found a victim who reported that as he attempted to enter the store, Jones ed him with a cart full of clothes that employees claimed she had stolen. The victim snapped a photo of Jones and her license plate as she got into a red Chrysler 200.
Witnesses told investigators that it was then that Jones put the car in reverse and attempted to back over the victim. He was able to move out of the way but was still hit in the leg by the car. As the victim attempted to walk back to the store and away from the car, Jones allegedly drove the vehicle forward and tried to run him over.
Law enforcement officials noted that the victim jumped out of the way a second time but was still hit by the car again before Jones sped off. The victim declined transport to the hospital at the time.
Investigators revealed that Jones took a total of nearly $840 in merchandise during the incident. They also found that she had been listed as a suspect in at least half a dozen theft reports in 2025 and at least a dozen theft reports in 2024.
A warrant was issued for Jones’ arrest on Wednesday, May 28, with the condition of a $75,000 bond. She has been charged with a single count of theft for the TJ Maxx case. If convicted, Jones could face a sentence of up to 7 years in prison and be ordered to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
As of Thursday afternoon, a court appearance has yet to be set. She remains behind bars in Jackson County following an arrest in a separate case. No further information has been released.
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