One suspect was arrested and another got away after they walked into a Peachtree City Walmart and stole two televisions, authorities said.
Rykennia Alexis Harris, 19, was taken into custody Monday after fleeing from the Fayette County store in a car and leading authorities on a chase through a neighborhood in nearby Coweta County, the Georgia State Patrol told AJC.com in a statement. Investigators are still trying to track down Coyia Washington, 21, of LaGrange, in connection with the incident.
Investigators said Harris and Washington were caught on a surveillance camera leaving the Walmart on Ga. 54 with the stolen televisions in hand. The pair drove off in a silver Ford Escape that was registered to a Newnan address, according to Peachtree City police spokesman Lt. C. Hyatt.
A GSP trooper heard about the theft about 12:30 p.m. and went looking for the suspects, agency spokeswoman Lt. Stephanie L. Stallings said. The trooper tracked the Escape to a home on Ball Street in Newnan.
The driver, later identified as Harris, pulled into a driveway and tried to get out of the car, according to Stallings. The trooper told Harris to put her hands in the air, but she did not comply, officials said.
Instead, she got back into the car and drove across several yards, Stallings said.
The trooper chased Harris down Ball Street, onto Lake Street and back onto Ball Street. At some point Harris got out of the car and tried to run, according to Stallings.
Harris made her way to an apartment, but a Newnan police officer pulled her from the residence and arrested her, Stallings said.
During a police interview, Harris told investigators Washington forced her into stealing the televisions, according to the GSP statement.
Authorities charged her with reckless driving, fleeing and attempt to elude and driving on a suspended license in connection with the chase, Stallings said. She was taken to the Coweta County Detention Center and later released on bond.
Harris faces felony theft charges in Peachtree City in connection with the Walmart incident.
“We will take possession of her for our charges,” Hyatt said.
As of Wednesday morning, Harris had not been booked into the Fayette County Jail.
Anyone with information on Washington’s whereabouts should contact Peachtree City police.
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