VALDOSTA – A Florida man was arrested by VPD for shoplifting at Walmart after a chase through the parking lot and store.
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Arrested: Sam Eric Haywood, African American, 35 years old, resident of Gainesville, FL
On August 10, 2024 at 8:15 p.m., Valdosta Police Officers responded to Walmart, 3274 Inner Perimeter Road, after a theft prevention officer called E911 to report an individual attempting to steal a shopping cart full of items. When the first officer arrived, he noticed Sam Eric Haywood, age 35, in the parking lot. Haywood was pushing a shopping cart that contained several items. When the officer attempted to speak with Haywood, Haywood ran away from him. Other officers arrived in the area and Haywood continued to evade arrest by running back into Walmart. The officers and Haywood ran through Walmart, and when Haywood again attempted to exit the store, an officer deployed his electrical weapon to prevent Haywood from escaping.
Haywood fell to the ground and was taken into custody.
Officers examined Haywood for injuries but found none.
Officers discovered that Haywood had warrants out of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Haywood was arrested and taken to the Lowndes County Jail. He is charged with the following:
- Theft by shoplifting – serious crime;
- Fugitive judicial officer – crime; and
- Obstructing a police officer – a misdemeanor.
If anyone has additional information about this or other cases, please contact the Valdosta Police Department’s Bureau of Investigative Services at 229-293-3145, the Crime Tip Line at 229-293-3091, or submit a tip online at www.valdostacity.com/police-department.
