A 15-year-old Columbia girl who spent the night locked in the Mall in Columbia was charged with theft after she was discovered in a bathroom yesterday morning, according to Howard County police.

Police spokesman Sgt. Morris Carroll said a teen-ager was discovered about 8: 30 a.m. by a manager at Hecht's, allegedly disposing of clothing price tags in a toilet.

The girl told the manager she worked in Hecht's cosmetics department, police said.

That manager -- who is in charge of the cosmetics department -- called mall security, who then called police.

The girl was charged with theft, trespassing and burglary.

"She probably couldn't get out and waited until morning," Carroll said.

The store opens at 10 a.m.

Pub Date: 8/13/98