CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – Police are continuing their investigation following a theft incident and subsequent high-speed chase involving a suspect who fled from Walmart on June 12.
Officers responded to a dispatch call regarding a female suspect who was reportedly fleeing Walmart’s Loss Prevention. Offices said they spotted the suspect’s vehicle, a white Pontiac with black rims, running a stop sign at the intersection of Riverside and Stewart. The suspect, identified as a white female with short hair and glasses, drove past officers and continued south on Bridge Street.
Additional units arrived on the scene, but the suspect accelerated, weaving in and out of traffic. The officers terminated the pursuit for safety reasons.
Despite the chase being called off, other marked and unmarked police units observed the suspect’s erratic driving as she headed west on Western Avenue.
Officers returned to Walmart to speak with Loss Prevention who said the suspect had attempted to leave the store with a cart full of bagged items, and a ladder. When confronted, the suspect claimed she had paid for the items but fled when asked to confirm her purchase, speeding off in her vehicle.
The suspect was identified as Rebecca Ward, based on the registration details of the white Pontiac. The Ross County Sheriff’s Office also engaged in a brief pursuit, which was terminated due to safety concerns.
Officers stated that once all evidence is compiled, warrants for Ward’s arrest on charges of theft and failure to comply will be sought.