BROOKINGS – A woman accused of shoplifting fled authorities, creating chaos and leading officers on a chase before being apprehended in Moody County, according to Brookings Police.
The incident was reported at 9:52 p.m. Sunday at Wal-Mart, Lt. Marci Gebers said.
“Initially reported as a robbery, turned out it was a shoplifting,” she said.
Both Brookings Police and the University Police Department responded.
“A female suspect fled the parking lot after using a cart full of stolen merchandise as a ram against a good Samaritan’s vehicle, who was attempting to stop the theft,” Gebers said.
“(Her) vehicle fled from police, violating multiple traffic laws and the pursuit then led officers to Moody County,” Gebers said.
BPD was assisted by Moody County and the South Dakota Highway Patrol, she added.
“The vehicle ended up becoming disabled at Mile Marker 418 on Highway 32 in Moody County,” Gebers said.
“The suspect was taken into custody without further incident,” she said.
Moody County State’s Attorney Paul Lewis identified the suspect as 55-year-old Georgianna Top Bear from Sioux Falls. She was taken into custody in Moody County on charges of eluding, driving with a suspended license, and possession of a controlled substance.
Pending charges in Brookings include intentional damage to property and shoplifting “and probably some traffic offenses, but the report’s not complete,” Gebers said.
“It looks like the university is also going to be charging her on complaint for numerous traffic violations,” she added.
“Through the course of the investigation, officers were also notified by dispatch of two individuals who reported they had sustained damage to their vehicles during this incident,” Gebers said.
