THE NEWS DESK
The News Desk is a collection of news, notes and breaking items affecting the Fredericksburg community.
Spotsylvania deputy injured after Walmart shoplifting incident
The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office issued the following press release with updated information this morning:
On August 12, 2012 at approximately 12:15 p.m. the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Wal-Mart located in the 10000 block of Southpoint Parkway for a felony shoplifting which had just occurred. Wal-Mart loss prevention had one suspect in custody and three others had fled the scene.
While checking the area Deputy Boone located the male suspect in the American Family Fitness who fled out the back door of this business. A foot pursuit ensued and two additional females were taken into custody. While these females were
taken back to Wal-Mart other deputies responded to the area in an attempt to locate the male. After an extensive search Deputy James Harney marked in foot pursuit with the male behind American Family Fitness.
The suspect fled into a heavily wooded area with steep terrain. As Deputy Harney was radioing the direction of the suspect he was pursuing he began to suffer from heat exhaustion and was able to activate his emergency button before he went unconscious.
Deputy Liz Scott and First Sergeant Bryner located Deputy Harney a few minutes’ later unconscious but breathing. They were assisted by several individuals who live in a homeless camp in the area. These individuals were able to direct additional responding units greatly helping Deputy Harney get the assistance he needed.
Deputy Harney was transported to Mary Washington Hospital where he was kept over night for observation but appears to be recovering without further incident.
The male suspect in the shoplifting was apprehended with the assistance of the Virginia State Police.
The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Virginia State Police, the Fredericksburg Police Department, and the bystanders who helped us locate and treat Deputy Harney during what could have had a completely different outcome.
The suspects were all charged with Felony Shoplifting and Conspiracy to commit larceny.
Dawn Ray White 36, B/F Spotsylvania
Olivia Frances Monk 27 W/F Caroline
Erica Lorraine Gaine 34 B/F Fredericksburg
Percil Scott 29 B/M No Fixed Address
Remember your phone call or Text-A-Tip can make a difference.
1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822
www.spotsylvaniacrimesolvers.org
Text a tip: Text SEE911 to CRIMES (274637)
By CATHY JETT
A shoplifting incident at the Walmart in Southpoint II shopping center Sunday afternoon resulted in an hour-long chase that landed one Spotsylvania County deputy in the hospital.
According to spokesman Capt. Mike Harvey, the suspects fled into the woods behind American Family Fitness and Interstate 95, and deputies gave chase.
All four suspects were apprehended, but one deputy was found unconscious either due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, Harvey said. The deputy was taken to Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
“All the deputies are doing fine,” Harvey said.
He declined to release the suspects’ or the deputy’s name Sunday afternoon.
