VALDOSTA – A Florida man was arrested by the VPD for shoplifting from Walmart after a chase through the parking lot and store.
Release:
Arrested: Sam Eric Haywood, African American male, 35 years of age, Gainesville, FL resident
On August 10, 2024, at 8:15 pm., Valdosta Police Officers responded to Walmart, 3274 Inner Perimeter Road after a loss prevention officer called E911 to report that a subject was attempting to steal a shopping cart full of items. When the first officer arrived, he observed Sam Eric Haywood, 35 years old, in the parking lot. Haywood was pushing a shopping cart that had several items inside. As the officer attempted to talk to Haywood, Haywood ran from the officer. Other officers arrived in the area and Haywood continued to evade arrest by running back inside Walmart. Officers and Haywood ran throughout Walmart, and as Haywood attempted to exit the store again, an officer deployed his conducted electrical weapon to keep Haywood from escaping.
Haywood fell to the ground and was taken into custody.
Officers checked Haywood for injuries, finding none.
Officers determined that Haywood had active arrest warrants from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, in Florida. Haywood was arrested and transported to Lowndes County Jail. He has been charged with:
- Theft by shoplifting-felony;
- Fugitive from justice-felony; and
- Obstruction of a law enforcement officer- misdemeanor.
If anyone has any further information on this case or any other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the crime tip line at 229-293-3091, or file a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.
