- October 30, 2024
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On the night of Friday, Dec. 13, while on patrol, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy located a vehicle parked in a handicap space in the Walmart parking lot. Further investigation revealed that the car had a stolen tag attached to it.
FCSO deputies established a perimeter in the area and as the vehicle left the parking lot a traffic stop was attempted. The driver, Shekeria Wilkins, 24, and her passenger, Amber Phillips, 26, then fled from law enforcement onto Cypress Point Parkway.
The vehicle continued to drive at accelerated speeds and then made a right turn onto Belle Terre Parkway and then onto Palm Coast Parkway towards I-95 South. FCSO Sergeant Weaver successfully deployed stop sticks and deflated both drive-side vehicles tires.
Wilkins attempted to continue driving the vehicle southbound on I-95 but eventually came to a stop near mile marker 286. Wilkins and Phillips were immediately taken into custody. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately $6,000-worth of stolen electronics. Of the merchandise, $994.03 of stolen merchandise was determined to have been stolen from the Walmart in Palm Coast.
When questions by deputies, Wilkins and Phillips stated that they were from West Palm Beach and had been "shopping" at various stores all day. Wilkins stated that she obtained the tag on her vehicle from a friend but refused to identify them to law enforcement.
“This is another example of how you never know what a routine patrol by an observant deputy can led too,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “This is a prime example of 'felony lane' thieves traveling the interstate stealing merchandise up and down the east coast but this time they came to the wrong county. Crime stops in Flagler County! Another great job by our deputies. I am thankful that no one was injured and that we were able to recover the stolen merchandise and put this crime spree to an end. Now they can spend the holidays at the Green Roof Inn.”
Wilkins and Phillips were both arrested and transported to the Flagler County Jail. Wilkins was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding, grand theft and petit theft and is being held on a $1,000 bond. Phillips was charged with grand theft and being held on a $500 bond.
Further charges may be pending as the FCSO continues to work with other agencies.
