POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two men were arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly stealing a pair of Nike Jordan sneakers from Dick’s Sporting Goods at Posner Park and attempting to flee from deputies in a high-speed chase.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies responded to a call about an in-progress retail theft at the sporting goods store around 3 p.m. on July 8th. The suspects, identified as Dayshawn Sutphin and David Walker II, were seen leaving the store with the unpaid merchandise.
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Deputies attempted to stop the suspects as they drove away in a gray Kia, but Walker, the driver, ignored the patrol car’s lights and sirens and accelerated onto US 27. During the pursuit, Sutphin threw the stolen sneakers out of the car in an attempt to divert the deputies.
The chase ended when traffic congestion on US 27 forced Walker to slow down, allowing deputies to catch up and apprehend the suspects.
Walker, who had a suspended license and a previous felony conviction, was charged with fleeing to elude, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, driving with a suspended license, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
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Sutphin was charged with retail theft, tampering with evidence, and littering for discarding the stolen shoes. He later admitted to throwing the shoes out of the car, hoping to distract the pursuing deputies.
The stolen sneakers were recovered and returned to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Both suspects were taken to the Polk County Jail.
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