Police: Suspected Shoplifter Flees Walmart, Crashes Car, Steals Minivan

A man suspected of shoplifting a TV from the Dunwoody Walmart fled when police tried to stop him, crashing into a vehicle and then stealing the vehicle of a motorist who stopped to help.

Dunwoody Police responded to a report of a shoplifting in progress at Walmart, 4725 Ashford Dunwoody Road, at about 10:51 a.m. Monday.

Store security workers told police the suspect stole a television and left in a white Dodge Challenger. Officers saw the vehicle traveling southbound on Ashford Dunwoody Road near Perimeter Center North. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect increased his speed and refused to stop for uniformed officers. Because of the suspect’s actions, police said no pursuit was initiated.

The suspect continued southbound on Ashford Dunwoody at a high rate of speed while disregarding traffic lights. The suspect ran the red light at Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive, crashing into another vehicle. The suspect lost control of his vehicle, which struck a light pole and came to rest in the northbound lanes of Ashford Dunwoody Road.

A passing driver stopped at the accident to help, but the suspect took the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene. No weapon was shown during the incident, police said.

The suspect was last seen traveling northbound on Ashford Dunwoody Road driving a tan 2009 Dodge Caravan with Georgia license plate AHN5359.

Authorities ask anyone who sees the suspect or the stolen vehicle to call 911 immediately. The suspect is to be considered dangerous.

Anyone with information about the suspect or incident is asked to contact the Dunwoody Police Department, Detective Sean Lenahan at 678-382-6911 or sean.lenahan@dunwoodyga.gov.