A woman wanted in Canada was apprehended after burglarizing a vehicle in the parking lot of a rural Mississippi dollar store.

Magee police arrested Elena Matilda Trifu, a Romanian woman with outstanding warrants in Canada, following a vehicle burglary in the Dollar Tree parking lot on December 4.

According to police, the incident unfolded when a man distracted the victim by asking for directions to a hospital. During the exchange, Trifu entered the victim’s vehicle and took her purse. The victim shouted, prompting both suspects to flee.

Trifu, who police say was part of a “criminal organization” in Canada with charges for theft exceeding $5,000, was apprehended near Huddle House shortly after the incident. Although she did not have the stolen wallet on her at the time, authorities reported that she confessed to the theft. The wallet was later found in a nearby restaurant’s trash can.

Investigators revealed Trifu had entered the United States illegally and is wanted in Toronto and Quebec. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on her for further investigation.

Magee police continue to search for Trifu’s male accomplice, who remains unidentified. The incident has highlighted international law enforcement collaboration as local authorities work with ICE to address Trifu’s immigration and criminal violations.