Larceny suspect from Walmart attempts to flee in a vehicle before crashing

On Thursday April, 18 2024 at 1041 a.m., MDPS officers were dispatched to Walmart regarding a larceny.  Information was given about the suspect’s physical description and vehicle.  Fortunately, an officer was conducting stationary patrol within the shopping center.  The officer was able to locate the suspect vehicle driving at a high rate of speed through the parking lot.  A vehicle stop was initiated at the upper exit at W Fleming Dr. 

After initially stopping, the suspect took off in her vehicle and began to flee at a high rate of speed on W Fleming Dr.  The vehicle pursuit was short lived as the suspect lost control attempting to turn left onto Golf Course Rd.  The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with the curb and a right-of-way marker (concrete post).  The suspect continued to struggle with officers before being taking into custody.  The driver was identified as Rateshia Genell Brown, 31, of Morganton, NC.  Further investigation revealed stolen merchandise from Walmart inside the vehicle totaling $614.22. 

Brown was taken before the Magistrate and charged with felony speeding to elude arrest, Larceny of property, Possession of stolen property, Failure to maintain lane control, and Injury to real property.  She was later confined at Burke County Jail under a $20,000 secured bond.