Daughter got theft under 50, never entered the store, the thief ran to her car and she drove away, if this a legit charge?

It depends. If your daughter knew what the "thief" was doing in the store, then she can be charged as a party to the offense, which means she would be every bit as culpable as the actual thief. Her best defense is that she had no clue what the person was doing in the store. Also, since the case is a Class C ticket, she may have other options available to ensure it doesn't become a permanent conviction on her record.