VALDOSTA — The drug Flakka was at the root of a shoplifting arrest which turned violent.

Wednesday, a Valdosta Police Officer was dispatched to the Walmart Super Center on Norman Drive in reference to a shoplifting call.

Upon arrival, the Officer found that a Walmart Loss Prevention Officer was following suspect Alicia Hall through the parking lot. The Officer shouted at Hall to stop, which she did.

When the Officer attempted to handcuff Hall, he found that Hall was sweating profusely. Then, Hall resisted arrest and struggled with the Officer.

As Hall was on the ground with the Officer who was holding her from behind, Hall pulled out a box cutter from her purse. The Officer saw the box cutter in time to take it from her and take her into custody.

During a search of the suspect, a small baggie with a substance that tested positive for Alpha PVP (aka “Flakka”) was found. Based on the knowledge that Hall was in possession of Alpha PVP, she was sweating profusely and she pulled a box cutter on the Officer, it was believed that Hall was high on Alpha PVP.

Hall was taken to the hospital for treatment. Hall is facing charges of Aggravated Assault, Shoplifting, Felony Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer, and Possession of a Schedule I Drug (Flakka)

“I am proud of the way the officer handled the situation of dealing with this violent offender. The incident could have been worse and but because of the actions of the officer, he was able to control the female before she could injure him”, stated Chief Brian Childress.