Thursday, May 12, 2011
Suspects In Pharmacy Burglaries Apprehended After Chase In St. Joseph
Individuals suspected of being involved in a series of burglaries at pharmacies in the Southern Tennessee/North Alabama area were apprehended Monday after leading police officers on a high speed chase while throwing drugs and contraband from the vehicle.
Officials with the Saint Joseph Police Department report the matter came to light when officers attempted to stop a driver for speeding. After verifying that the driver was traveling at a rate of 73 miles per hour in a 55 zone, officers engaged lights and sirens and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Officers indicate the driver would not yield to emergency equipment, leading them on an extended chase through the area. At times, they report the driver was traveling at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour. Also, at times the driver reportedly swerved into other lanes of travel and ran stop signs, creating a hazard to other drivers.
During the pursuit, officers report that items were thrown from the passenger side window. In addition, officers indicate the driver was observed “leaning forward and pushing items into the defroster vents on the dash.”
The driver eventually pulled into the parking lot at Equipment Remanufacturers Co., off American Boulevard. He immediately exited the vehicle and walked towards officers with a kitchen knife in hand.
Reports show that the driver, identified as Christopher Thomas Newton, was taken to the ground and placed under arrest. During a pat down subsequent to arrest, officers found that Newton had a second kitchen knife concealed in his back pocket. A hydrocodone pill was found inside another pocket.
Reporting officers indicate that Newton was “obviously under the influence of drugs.” Although he attempted to be combative, officers report “he was unable to carry out his actions fully due to his level of impairment and inability to maintain his balance.” They also report that, “field sobriety tests were not administered for officer safety as well as the safety of Mr. Newton.”
Passenger Thelitha Elizabeth Dolan Jones was also arrested at that time.
Agents with the Loretto Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit were summoned to the scene to assist with the recovery of the tossed items and the gathering and securing of evidence.
Officers indicate that a large quantity of hydrocodone pills was recovered. The pills were of varying dosages and colors. Pills were found strewn throughout the car as well as in the vents, and numerous bulk pill containers “consistent with the type used in pharmacy settings” were discovered, as well. In total, 868 pills and three partial pills were recovered from the vehicle and roadsides.
Officers report they contacted law enforcement agencies in surrounding areas of Tennessee and Alabama and learned that there had been a string of recent burglaries at pharmacies in these jurisdictions.
Also, agents report that a tool bag was seized into evidence. The bag was reported to contain tools “consistent with those used in burglaries.” A Sthil MS 250 chainsaw was found inside the trunk. A check of the serial number revealed it had been stolen during a May 9, 2011 burglary at a home on U.S. Highway 43 South in Saint Joseph.
Both Newton and Jones were transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where they were booked on numerous charges including: possession of Schedule III narcotics for the purpose of resale, possession of a legend drug for the purpose of resale, simple possession of marijuana, theft of property, tampering with evidence, and possession of burglary tools.
Newton was additionally charged with first offense DUI, violation of the implied consent law, failure to yield to blue lights and sirens, evading arrest, reckless driving, speeding, violation of the seat belt law, unlawful possession of a weapon, and two counts of assault of a police officer.
Both Newton and Jones are scheduled to answer the charges against them through Lawrence County General Sessions Court on June 21, 2011.
Officials indicate that, “Alabama authorities will be seeking charges for the pharmacy burglaries which took place there.”
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