Winona Busted

Winona Ryder found herself sitting in custody on Wednesday night after being arrested for shoplifting 17 items of clothing from swanky Beverly Hills store, Saks 5th Avenue. Officers were called to the scene by store security after Ryder was caught in possession of almost $5000 in clothes and hair accessories, she was subsequently booked on charges of felony grand theft and possession of pharmaceutical drugs without a prescription. She was later released on $20,000 bail. Security officers stated that they witnessed Ryder leaving the store with the clothing and that a closed-circuit camera caught the star removing security tags from several items. Ryder's lawyer is rejecting the charges, however, claiming: "There was no theft. I'm telling you right now there was no possession of prescription medications without a prescription. The charges, I'm convinced, once the Beverly Hills PD has a chance to investigate it, will be rejected. It's a misunderstanding on the part of the store." He went on to say that the actress was simply carrying the items between departments and was apprehended by somewhat over-enthusiastic security guards. As to why she was seen removing security tags from the items, no explanation was offered. Police admitted that Ryder showed no signs of being under the influence of drugs when brought in and insisted that the actress was "very friendly, polite and cooperative" despite the circumstances. She is scheduled to be arraigned in the Beverly Hills Superior Court on January 11. Ryder's publicist had no comment on the incident.