Randall Mercer, 31, was caught shoplifting at Wal-mart last Thursday afternoon. Bainbridge Public Safety officer Christopher Jordan arrested him and found marijuana and pills in his pockets.
Jordan handcuffed Mercer and asked for identification. Mercer said he had his license in his vehicle. Jordan, Mercer and a member of Wal-mart security walked toward the vehicle.
When they were close, Jordan saw Timothy Davis, 49, in Mercer’s passenger seat jump out and run. Both Jordan and the Wal-mart security chased after him, leaving Mercer behind, who took off in the other direction.
Back up BPS officers, Georgia State Patrol and Decatur County sheriffs quickly arrived at the scene and were able to apprehend the two criminals and safely contain them.
“Rarely will anyone take off like that,” said BPS Director Eric Miller. “But we catch you in the end.”
The officers searched the vehicle and found more marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a firearm. Evidence was collected and the vehicle was towed from the parking lot.
Davis and Mercer are being charged for possession of marijuana, methamphetamines and firearms, as well as obstruction of an officer and theft by shoplifting.
Their court date is currently unknown. There is no bond.